
Class .IS ..^OOa. 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



iiii 



POEMS OF 
LIFE AND LIGHT 



BY 
JENNIE HARRISON, 

Author of "Doctor Will/' "Roger Dunham's 
Choice/' etc. 

With an introduction by 
FLOYD W. TOMKINS, S.T.D., LL.D., 

Rector of the Church of the Holy Trinity, Philadelphia. 



PHILADFXPHIA 

THE JOHN C. WINSTON COMPANY, 

1906. 



LIBRARY of CONGRESS 
Two Copies Received 

DEC 24 J 906 

Copyright Entry 

cuss ^ XXc, No. 

COPY B. 






COPYRIGHT, 1906, 

BY 

THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO. 



INTRODUCTION. 

Religious poems, or what Anna Warner 
called " Wayfaring Hymns/' have much to 
do not only with a life of faith but with 
comfort and cheer in life. Few people 
realize how closely books of devotion com- 
posed largely or entirely of religious songs, 
are connected with Christianity in its every- 
day experiences. Side by side with the 
Bible on many a little table in the " prayer 
corner of the room," lies some little book of 
poems. Perhaps it is Randolph's ^^ Shadow 
of the Rock,'' or " Faber's Hymns," or pos- 
sibly Neale's *^ Hymns of the Eastern 
Church." Devotion sings itself, just as the 
great prophets sang their messages. 

There are other poems which have a like 
part to bear in the common struggle and in 
the home life. Who has not gained fresh 



vi INTRODUCTION. 

courage from Jean Ingelow ? Who has not 
felt the bigness of life and its beauty with 
Browning and Tennyson? Who has not 
found peace in the words of Anna Shipton 
or Mrs. Alexander? Such poets, the 
greater and the humbler alike, carry mes- 
sages from the Father to His children. 

I believe these poems of my loved sister 
will likewise bless many, and cast light on 
many a life. Many of them have already 
appeared in papers and periodicals; many 
are now published for the first time. They 
all touch the heart and carry a truth easily 
grasped and simply sung. I am thankful 
the author has consented to send thern out 
in book form, and I know they will fill a 
want. May God's blessing attend them. 

FLOYD W. TOMKINS, 

Holy Trinity Rectory, Philadelphia, 
Advent 1905. 



PRAYER OF DEDICATION. 

It is not much ! but, Lord, I come to lay it 

at Thy feet. 
Thou, for Whose Sake, the least work done 

grows worthy, true and sweet. 
Lift Thou my little to Thy Light Divine, 

and make it, so. 
Fit for Thy Use, in some dark spot of this 

old world below ! 



CONTENTS 

PAGE. 

1. Heart-Throbs . 7 

2. My Word, 9 — God's Word 10 

3. A Singer's Question 11 

4. Maiden and Poet 13 

5. Trust 17 

6. Imperfect 19 

7. As Many as I Love 21 

8. A Little While 23 

9. Forty Days 25 

10. What Wilt Thou ? 27 

11. Holy Week 28 

12. Easter Morning 29 

13. Victory 31 

14. Soft the Solemn, etc 33 

15. Easter Day . 35 

16. The Token . 37 

17. Coming .38 

18. A Universal Song 39 

19. Singing Through All 41 

20. Mistaken 43 

21. The Undiscovered Country 45 

22. Compensation .47 

23. Hill and Valley ........ 52 

24. None Other Name 54 

25. For the Past 56 

26. When? 57 

27. Girls 59 

2S. Girlhood and Womanhocm> 62 



CONTENTS 



PAGE. 

29. On the Mount 65 

30. World's Help 68 

31. "I Will Go'' 69 

32. " Lost, an Amethyst " 71 

S3. Unchanging 73 

34. Day by Day y6 

35. A Soul's Wonder yy 

36. Through Silence . 78 

37. Always White 79 

38. Harvest 81 

39. Not Now 82 

40. Here and There 84 

41. Answered 85 

42. June . 87 

43. Abandon 88 

44. At the Seashore 90 

45. Empty Shrines 92 

46. " Never to Open Again " 93 

47. At Rest 97 

48. Be Not Weary 100 

49. " So He Bringeth Them " 102 

50. His Banner Over Me 104 

51. Another Answer 106 

52. Our Bishop 108 

53. Humility 109 

54. What We Miss no 

55. Just Beyond 112 

56. Blue Sky 113 

57. "Summer is Dead" 115 

58. Bud and Blossom 116 

59. The Singer's Hour 117 

60. An Autumn Song 118 

61. Leafless Branches 120 

62. Enough 122 

63. "Summer is Ended" . 124 

64. Our Hope ...*....... 125 



CONTENTS 



PAGE. 

65. A Winter Garden 126 

66. All Saints^ Day 127 

67. Advent 129 

68. Advent 130 

69. December .131 

70. In Winter 131 

71. Christmas-tide 133 

72. Christmas Carol . 134 

73. The Christmas Story 137 

74. White Pages 142 

75. The Years 144 

76. A Wide World 146 

77. The Best Song . 147 

78. Changed 149 

79. Literary Life No. i 151 

80. Literary Life No. 2 152 

81. My Talent 155 

82. Way-Marks i55 

83. Woman and Poet 157 

HOUSEHOLD POEMS 

84. A Marriage Song 163 

85. Baby's Birthday 164 

86. One Year Old 165 

87. Little Blue Shoes 167 

88. Three Years Old 169 

89. In Memory of Mother 172 

90. Three — Safe 174 

FOR THE CHILDREN 

91. Under the Leaves 179 

92. April 180 

03. Out in the Cold 181 

94. "Don't Go 'Way!" 183 



CONTENTS 



PAGE. 

95. Old Year and New Year . , . . .185 

96. One Little Life 186 

97. He Knew 188 

98. Up Here or Down There 189 

99. The Clover Game 190 



POEMS OF LIFE AND 
LIGHT 

HEART-THROBS. 

Oh hearts, beat warmer, warmer! 

For this earth of ours is cold; 
And the chills that creep over weary souls, 
And the weight of the anguish-wave that 
rolls. 

May never all be told. 

Oh hearts, beat gentler, gentler ! 

For the wrong is on us all ; 
And we may not stand in our pride, and 

say, 
" Thy sin hath taken my love away ; " — 

We are each so prone to fall 

7 



8 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

Oh hearts, beat truer, truer ! 

' For this life of ours is sad ; 
And we need to cling together more. 
As we tread this weary, pilgrim shore, 
That our trust may make us glad. 

Oh hearts, beat stronger, stronger! 

For the way is long to go; 
And the weak ones faint under burdens 

sore; 
And tired souls droop on the shadeless 
shore ; 
And comfort is sweet to know! 



Oh hearts, beat closer, closer! 

For the days are short and few ; 
Soon the dear ones pass away from sight, 
And the sweet eyes close in Death's dark 
night; 

And our love on earth is through! 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 9 

Oh hearts, beat higher, higher! 

For our Home is fair, above. 
We may not linger in ways below ; 
But ever, with souls raised heavenward, go 

Toward the g-reat Eternal Love ! 



MY WORD. 

If I should speak it, friend, the word you 

ask — 
If I should sing it, even — bringing so, 
From out the settled deeps of joy or woe. 
My best soul-music to complete the task — 
Would any catch the drop from this life 

flask, 
And name it 'mid the ruby wines that flow 
In sparkling heart-beats, pulsing swift or 

slow 
To measure human needs? Would any 

mask 
Of placid smiles drop off, to show beneath 
A tremble of the lip which took that word 



lo POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

And rang it on life's inner court, to hear 
What sound of pure gold could such coin 

bequeath, 
To make one soul the richer? Ah, sweet 

bird. 
Sing on ! God's right to me is not so clear ! 



GOD'S WORD. 

If birds may sing it thus — the least of all 

Winged with a message from the Father's 
throne, 

And guarded by a tenderness unknown, 

That not one note from the sweet cadence 
fall 

Unmarked by Him — then surely I, who 
call. 

And, through the darkness, hear His an- 
swering tone, 

May take the word — His word — no more 
mine own, 

And bear it down the road, however small, 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT ii 

Which He has set for me to go. Per- 
chance, 
Some weary soul up there upon the height 
Might catch the gladness of the valley 

song — 
Though none should speak to herald its 

advance — 
And find the word, and set the glory right, 
Through His least singer singing true and 
strong ! 



'A SINGER'S QUESTION. 

Is there any tree 
For me? 
Any one, however low, 
Shading cowslips as they grow? 
Any tree where I may sit and sing my 
song. 

All day long? 



12 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

Is there any tree 
For me? 
Any one, however bare, 
With no leaves to crown the hair ; 
Where, among the branches brown, and 
rough, and wide, 
I may bide? 

Is there any tree 
For me? 
Any one, however small, 
In among your cedars tall, 
Whence a song may go to reach some hu- 
man ear. 

And to cheer? 

Is there any tree 
For me? 
Any one beneath whose shade 
Little children may have strayed. 
And will come again to hear a song from 
me? 

Can it be ? 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 13 

Is there any tree 
For me? 
Any one beside the way 
Where poor human hearts may stray, 
Yearning just one Httle helpful song to 
know, 

As they go? 

Is there any tree 

For me? 

Any one in God's wide land. 

With the impress of His hand 

Showing, " This was meant for singers who 

can be 

Such for Me '' ? 



^MAIDEN AND POET. 

Poet, tell me — tell me truly -— when you 

sing your noblest songs ; 
In the morning's golden sunshine, or when 

summer eve prolongs ? 



14 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

Maiden, I will tell thee truly; when the 

shades of sorrow fall, 
Neither sunlight fair nor starlight casting 

brightness there at all! 

Poet, can you sing them better by the little 
brooks that run 

Softly through the meadow-grasses, spark- 
ling gaily in the sun ? 

Maiden, I can sing them better by these 

bitter tears that flow — 
Silent tears, oh! full of anguish that the 

world may never know! 

Poet, do you sing them faster, when the 

little children come, 
Bringing in the noise and sunlight to the 

quiet of your room? 

Maiden, I do sing them faster, when my 

heart aches, thinking so 
Of the footsteps that are silent, nevermore 

to come or go! 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 15 

Poet, do you sing them truer, in the stilly 

forest green, 
When the tree-tops softly rustle like far 

angel-wings unseen? 

Maiden, I do sing them truer, in the spirit's 

woe and strife, 
When the anguish-waves dash rudely up 

against the sands of life! 

Poet, do you sing them nobler, when you 

tread upon the grass, 
And fair women look in at you, smiling 

sweetly, as they pass ? 

Maiden, I do sing them nobler, when I kneel 

upon the floor. 
And my broken words go floating upward 

through the pearly door! 

Poet, do you sing them sweeter, when you 

hear the marriage bell, 
And the vows, oh! softly spoken by two 

hearts that love so well? 



1 6 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

Maiden, I do sing them sweeter, when 

I hear the anguished cry 
Of two souls in bitter parting, — life's 

full cup to pass them by. 

Poet, can you sing them braver, with that 

crown of ivy green 
Which you wear upon your forehead — 

token of your worth, I ween ? 

Maiden, I can sing them braver, with this 

heavy cross I bear — 
Token of the common lot which all the sons 

of earth must share! 

Poet, — Why, you are too sad! I cannot 
choose with you to dwell; 

Nay, nor learn to touch your harp, although 
I like your songs so well ! 

Maiden, go thy way; nor wonder that the 

songs thou lovest best 
Are wrought out of bitter sorrow hidden in 

the Poet's breast! ^ 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 17 



TRUST. 

All gone!— -the fairest things my heart 

Had set her hopes upon, 
All sadly, one by one, depart, 

And I am left alone ! 
Alone ! with nought to help or cheer — 
No voice to bring sweet comfort near I 

All smiles in which I took delight, 
While yet they beamed for me. 

Have faded ; and my darkest night 
Not one kind star can see ! 

Alone ! with lips that never show 

One smile to glad me as I. go! 

All prayers which I have, day and night. 

Poured out before my God, 
Seem lost, unanswered ; and no light 

Gleams from the chastening rod. 

Alone ! to strive and wrestle on, 

Though not one prayer its meed. hath won! 
2 



i8 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

All hopes which I had rested on — 

The sunlight of my way — 
Have withered; all their sweetness gone, 

Their beauty in decay ! 
Alone ! no hope to light and bless 
My path through earth's dark wilderness ! 

All hands whose touch had thrilled me so, 
Whose clasp had grown so dear, 

Are closed to me ; and I must go 
Uncheered, unaided here! 

Alone! with not one hand to meet 

Mine own in sympathy so sweet ! 

And yet, with empty hand and heart. 

Standing alone to-night, 
From all earth's sweetness far apart — 

Shadowed from all earth's light — 
I can look up with undimmed eye ; 
For God — my God — sits throned on 
high! 

'Tis very dark ! I cannot see 
The smile my Maker wears; 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 19 

I cannot tell what waiteth me 

In answer to my prayers ; 
I cannot know how better far 
Than all my hopes God's dealings are, 

I cannot see the loving Hand 
That marks my earthly way ;— 

Yet / can trust; in that fair land 
My richest blessings stay; 

And so, though earth be barren still, 

I trust my God, and wait His will 



IMPERFECT. 

Broken sunlight ! shadows in its train ! 
Golden bow that cometh with the rain ! 
Beams of brightness, parted into flakes 
Where the cloud upon the beauty breaks !. 

Broken songs we never may complete! 
Tender strains no voice can e'er repeat ! 
Tuneful harmonies our lips begin, 
Silenced where a sudden " hush '' breaks in! 



20 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

Broken hopes, built up so fair, so high, 
Suddenly, in ruins, round us lie ! 
Dreams of beauty, ever unfulfilled ! 
Longings never met, yet never stilled ! 

Broken love! oh, sweetness incomplete! 
Souls that touch, but never wholly meet ! 
Precious treasure, scattered round about, — 
Hungry hearts that never find it out ! 

Broken paths, where hands may clasp no 

more ; 
Footsteps lost upon the river's shore ! 
Half-told stories, with an end so sweet, 
Said nor heard, — forever incomplete ! 

Broken smiles, on which the tear-drops fall ! 
Laughter, with an anguish through it all ! 
Faces lifted up, all glad and bright, 
Just to meet the bitterness and blight ! 

Broken prayers ! oh, Father, dost thou hear ? 
Stammering words that utter nothing clear ! 
Lips that breathe out " God " with pleading 
sound, 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 21 

While the thoughts of earth break in 
around ! 

Broken life! poor, vain, imperfect thing! 
Echoes from the infinite that ring ! 
Fragments washed up by the waves that 

roll 
From the great Beyond, — the perfect 

whole ! 

Weary heart, be patient and be strong ! 
'Tis "a little while," — not long! not long! 
We shall drop these broken toys to take 
Treasures that can never, never break! 



AS MANY AS I LOVE. 
Rev. 3:19. 

As many as I love! — 
The shadows fall upon our sunny hours; 

Darkness and sorrow move 
Amid our treasures, in our joy-built bowers ; 
Yet this sweet comfort ever may be ours — 

As many as I love! 



22 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

As many as I love! — 
To human eyes God's dealings oft seem 
dark; 
But He would only prove 
The sunlight where the cloud alone we 

mark; 
He says — if wounded souls would only 
hark — 
As many as I love ! 

As many as I love! — 
Oh burdened, sorrowing heart, this is for 
thee ; — 
Thy Father's hand above. 
Is meting out these trials but to be 
The measure of a good thou can'st not 
see ; — 
As many as I love! 

As many as I love! — 
Oh, earth's affections are but poor to this 

Which reaches from above! 
They — mortal frailties — change and fade 
and miss; 



POEMS CF LIFE AND LIGHT 23 

But this one thought gives everlasting 
bliss :— 
As many as I love. 

As many as I love ! — 
These loved ones are the bearers of the cross, 

Their Christian faith to prove; 
All earthly gain is counted but as loss, 
When God says — clearing from the 
dross — 

As many as I love! 

As many as I love! — 
When life-work, pain and waiting all are 
o'er, 
Our earth-tired feet shall move 
Up golden streets on the celestial shore; 
And we shall sing with saints forever- 
more — 
As many as I love! 

A LITTLE WHILE. 
A little while to walk this weary road; 
A little way to bear this heavy load ; 



24 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

Then all our earthly pilgrimage shall cease, 
And we shall wear the crown in perfect 
peace. 

A little while to love with earthly love, 
And then we share the '' fulness " from 

above ; 
A little time of darkness and of doubt. 
Then the bright home whose light shall 

ne'er go out. 

A little toil and sadness here below ; 
A little time to watch and plant and sow ; 
Then Jesus calls his laborers away 
Where everlasting joy and gladness stay. 

A little while of storm and wind and rain, 
And then the shining haven we shall gain ; 
A little time to toss on life's rough sea, 
Then in that peaceful home our rest shall be. 

A little while! Oh, Saviour, make us 

strong 
To bear that little, though it oft seem long; 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 25 

Guide thou our way with Thine own loving 

hand, 
Till we shall enter in the Promised Land ! 



FORTY DAYS. 

Alone, and in the wilderness. 
And tempted! He, whose life had never 

known 
The faintest thought of sin; who left his 

home 
'Mid angel ministers, to live on earth. 
To suffer, to endure all shame and woe. 
To fast for forty days, and then, with our 
Weak human nature on Him, to feel want ; 
All this for us ! 

And we? with our whole life 
Shrouded in guilt, and no hope for us, save 
In this atoning Jesus — shall not we 
Turn sometimes from the world, and, shut- 
ting out 
Its cares and pleasures, give our thoughts 
to Him? 



26 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

Hath He not clothed with beauty this fair 

earth 
Of ours? and doth He not, each day, deal 

out 
Some sweetness from His loving hand, to 

glad 
Our lives ? and oh ! can we not give to Him, 
Sometimes, our forty days? Can we not 

draw 
Aside, a little while, from these fair joys 
Of earth, and rest our souls within the 

shade 
Of His great suffering; and looking so 
Upon this Saviour's love and sacrifice. 
Receive new strength to bear our lighter 

cross. 
And stay our weary hearts, for peace, on 

Him 
Who was '^ in all points tempted like as we, 
Yet without sin? " 

Lord, make this " forty days *' 
A blessed season ! Bring us near to thee ; 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 27 

Refresh us from thy fulness ; make the world 
Grow less, and Heaven more,-4© us; and 

when 
Our earthly life is over, call us home 
To spend with thee one everlasting day ! 



WHAT WILT THOU HAVE ME 
TO DO? 

When the dear Church, in solemn round, 
brings back 

The blessed fast — the sacred " forty 
days "— 

We lift our eyes, as in a troubled maze, 

With sunlight gone, to find our feet the 
track 

The Master left ; — Our hearts, we say, not 
slack. 

If only they might know the chosen ways 

In which to serve Him. Dim, out-reach- 
ing gaze! 

Why look we not within ? Is there no lack ? 

No silent service for His eye alone? 



28 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

No spot whose darkness only He hath 

known ? 
No gilded earth-weight, holding fast our 

love 
From the pierc'd hands still pleading there 

above ? 
The work is here — the w^ay, the need, most 

sure — 
Dear Saviour, give us courage to endure ! 



HOLY WEEK. 

Darker, darker, grows the shade ; 

Wondrous shade, so sad and calm ! 
Sweetest shadow ever made. 

Mingling sorrow, rest, and balm. 

Farther, farther, grows the world, 
Dimming off from mortal sight; 

All its radiant banners furled. 
Paling all its glories bright! 

Fainter, fainter, grows the thought 
Of each human fret and care; 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 29 

One great grief our peace hath wrought ; 
One great woe we all may share. 

Nearer, nearer, hand in hand, 

Press we down the darksome way ; 

Leaving all the upper land, 
With its lavish light of day. 

Closer, closer, comes the Cross, 

Shining on the darkened air; 
All things else seem worthless dross. 

As we kneel us, sorrowing, there! 



EASTER MORNING. 

Far o'er the distant mountain-tops, 

A radiant light unfolds; 
The tiniest flower-cup nestling there, 

Its tinge of glory holds. 
The watcher thro' the weary night, 

Looks up, with prayerful eyes; — 
And, lo ! the shadows roll away, 

'Neath Resurrection skies! 



30 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

A Message from the Open Tomb 

Thrills all the list'ning earth ; — 
Death's reign is ended! — night is o'er! 

A New Life springs to birth. 
Love's Miracle has swept away 

The barriers from the soul! 
Christ walks beside us! — and we need 

No hand the " stone '' to " roll " ! 

Oh, little birds, and blossoms fair. 

Bright heralds of the Spring, — 
About our loved ones' sepulchres, 

Your sweet assurance bring! 
For them, — for us, — there is no deathy- 

But Life, forevermore! 
Through this low gateway, sanctified 

By Him Who passed before. 

Oh Easter bells, ring tenderly ! 

You ring the Master's Word ; — • 
The sweetest note of victory 

Earth's warriors ever heard ! 
'' Peace he to you! " — '' Because I live, 
Ye sliall live also! '' — Ring, 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 31 

'Till ev'ry prisoned soul shall rise, 
And find The Christ — its King ! 



VICTORY. 

Out of the shadow of death and the grave, 

Jesus our Saviour hath come, 
Bright in His glory, and mighty to save, 

Free from the taint of the tomb! 
Robes of humanity, sanctified so, 

Worn in His pitying love. 
Drop all their weight of earth-weakness and 
woe, 

Jesus ascendeth above. 

Chorus. 

Victory! Victory! won for us all! 

Let the glad tidings resound; 
Jesus is risen! His trumpet shall call. 

Life and salvation are found. 

Out of the shadow of winter's long night. 
Earth comes in gladness to-day I 



32 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

Clad in the garments of spring-time and 
light, 
Scattering doubt and dismay. 
Beautiful story, that never grows old, 
Pledge from our conquering Lord, 
Earth is redeemed from its darkness and 
cold, 
Easter hath come at His word. 

Chorus. 

Out of the shadow of weakness and fear, 

Let us arise, then, to-day! 
Jesus hath called us; our Easter is here! 

Why should we doubt and delay ? 
Here is the path that our Conqueror trod, 

Bright with His blessing of peace; 
These are His blossoms that spring from 
the sod, 

Telling of hope and release. 

Chorus. 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 33 

J 

SOFT THE SOLEMN DAWN-LIGHT 
GRAY. 

(An Easter Carol.) 

Soft the solemn dawn-light gray 
Broke upon the world that day : 
Day of days, whose light divine 
Thro' th' unsealed grave doth shine ! 

Chorus. 

Alleluia! Christ is risen! 
Christ, who died, the world to save, 
Christ is risen from the grave! 
Christ is risen from the grave! 

While the world, with Mary, stood 
Seeking for the promised good, 
Lo ! 'twas theirs ! " The Lord is risen ! '* 
Spake the Angel-guard from heaven. 
Chorm: Alleluia! 

Still, when God^s sure Word doth bring 
That sweet life from death, in Spring, 



34 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

To His Church the Angel voice 
Speaking, bids each soul rejoice. 
Chorus: Alleluia! 

" Very early/* oh, my soul, 
Ere the day's full glories roll, 
At His Altar, bending low. 
There the Lord's memorial show. 
Chorus: Alleluia! 

Then, with risen birds and flowers, 
Thou may'st hail the Easter hours ; 
And, with all the Host of Heaven, 
Join in singing — " Christ is risen ! " 
Chorm: Alleluia! 

Yea, the Lord is risen indeed ! 
Man from chains of death is freed ! 
Weeping ones, smile o'er your graves ! 
Christ is by your side. Who saves! 
Chorujs: Alleluia! 

Bring sweet Easter blossoms fair! 
Fill God's Church with off 'rings rare! 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 35 

Here Life's Risen Master stands, 
Blessing us with pierced Hands! 
Chorus: Alleluia! 



EASTER DAY. 

Lo I the earth is waking 

To a glad, new Day! 

Wondrous light is breaking, 

Night has fled away! 
Mom, with dew-drops on her brow, 
Brings a gracious message now, 
Tells the Story of the Spring — 
Life from Death is blossoming! 

Happy birds are singing 

In the sunlit air; 

Blossoms pure are bringing 

Perfume everywhere! 
All the Story now complete. 
Bird and blossom will repeat; 
Winter's gloom hath passed away, 
Spring hath brought us Easter Day ! 



36 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

Yea, the world is standing 

By an empty tomb; 

And a Voice, commanding*, 

Clears away the gloom. 
This is Pie whom men denied ; 
Whom they scorned and crucified. 
Lo ! the stone is rolled away ! 
Christ the Lord hath risen to-day. 

Oh, the wondrous morning 
Floods the earth with light, 
Everywhere adorning 
With its promise bright! 

Every life seems clothed anew 

In the Resurrection hue ; 

Hope replies to every need — 

'' Christ the Lord is risen, indeed ! " 

Yea, the Lord is risen ! 

And the grave shall be 

Nevermore a prison; 

Christ hath set it free ! 
Therefore, sing, oh ransomed souls! 
As the Easter glory rolls 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 37 

Upward, from the solemn night, 
Bearing life, on beams of light ! 

While the Easter glory- 
Makes the world so fair — 
While this wondrous Story- 
Echoes everywhere — 
Let us from that empty grave. 
Follow Him, Who died to save; 
Keep the Feast in truth and love, 
Seek " those things which are above ! '* 

Our glad Easter keeping, 

Let us, too, arise ! 

Turn from sin and sleeping. 

Press toward the prize! 
He who died and rose again. 
Is the gracious Friend of men. 
Lenten shades may fall awhile; 
Easter sunshine is His Smile! 

THE TOKEN. 
No gleam of banners on the far-off hills ; 
No glitf ring-crested herald, riding swift, 



38 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

To show through dreary clouds the golden 

rift, 
And speak to waiting souls a word that fills 
The measure of each need, to heal all ills. 
And from sad hearts the weary weight to 

lift. 
No trumpet to prelude the royal gift; 
No strong, sure Voice, which through the 

darkness thrills. 

Yet lo ! the token ! from the wintry earth 
Upspringing, mute and white ! A lowly leaf 
To bear the message of the world's new 

birth. 
And flash a smile o'er all its furrowed grief! 
One blossom, with its promise from the 

skies : 
" I conquered death : ye too, some day, shall 

rise." 

COMING! 

Coming! so surely, so surely! 
I hear the soft footstep afar. 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 39 

Through all the loud voice of the tempest, 
And fierce winds that battle and jar. 

Coming ! I know it, I know it ! 

I catch the faint gleam on the air; 
The flash of her robe on the mountains, 

The shine of her sun-gilded hair. 

Coming! no matter, no matter. 
If one seem to reign in her place; 

I watch through the barren old tree-tops, 
To catch the first smile of her face. 

Coming! yes, nearer and nearer 
The touch of her delicate breath 

Steals o'er the dull pulses of Nature, 
To bring a new life out of death. 

Coming ! no falter, no failure ! 

The word of the Lord standeth sure; 
Oh, hearts that are weary with waiting, 

Look up and be glad and endure. 

^ UNIVERSAL SONG. 
Everywhere — everywhere — 
Over the earth, in the sky and air — 



40 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

This wonderful charm, this nameless thing, 
Which stirs with the pulse of the tender 
spring. 

Sweet refrain — sweet refrain — 
Over and over — again — again ! 
The robin sings it from every tree, 
Repeating his story to you and me. 

Bending low — bending low — 
Buttercups, swinging them to and fro, 
Are softly saying it o'er and o'er. 
All "golden-mouthed," like the teacher of 
yore! 

Whispering — whispering — 
Low through the grasses the breezes sing; 
The swift cloud-shadows go sailing by ; 
Word answers to word in the earth and sky. 

Far above — far above — 
With stately rustle the tree-tops move; 
And never a bird but knows full well 
The story the tiniest leaf can tell ! 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 41 

Who has heard — who has heard — 
Sweeter than song of breeze or of bird — 
The thought of the heart, O still, so still ! 
And the glad life-pulse, with its strange, 
new thrill? 

Everywhere — everywhere — 
This song of spring, with its cadence rare; 
This wondrous sweetness, with hush be- 
tween ; 
But the heart can sing it the best, I ween ! 

SINGING THROUGH ALL. 
Little birds, would ye have thought 

I should bow this heart to you? 
This proud heart, and have it taught, 
By the sweetness, ye have wrought, 

Lessons good and true? 

Little birds, the March wind blew, 

And the air was drear and chill; 
Gloomy clouds were all in view, 
Scarce a sunbeam flickered through, — 
Yet ye sang; on still ! 



42 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

Little birds, ye have come home 

With your voices sweet and glad ; 
Though the spring-time Hngers some, 
And the dark days yet will come, 
Ye are never sad ! 

Little birds, my heart was drear 
As I wandered out to-day ; — 
Then I heard you singing near, 
And ye filled me with your cheer. 
Chased my gloom away. 

Little birds, if ye can sing 

Still with clouds and shadows round. 
Can / not some sweetness bring, 
Though earth-shades about me cling, 

And no light is found? 

Little birds, the way is long. 

And the winds blow drear and chill ; 
Yet I listen to your song. 
And my faithless heart grows strong. 

Moulded to God's will. 

Little birds, though dark the days, 
I shall hear your voices call; 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 43 

Listening to your joyous lays, 
I can walk earth's weary ways, 
Singing through them all. 



MISTAKEN. 

A sound came through my blossom-trees, 

As I sat in my garden fair ; 
It was not the gentle summer breeze, 
For it shook, oh, my branches bare ! 
And I said, as I wept on the whitened 

ground, 
" Oh, the voice of a grief hath an awful 
sound ! " 

Then words came on the troubled air : 

" Oh, my child, wilt thou lift thy face? 
Thou canst see heaven better through 
branches bare; 
For thy blossoms may hide the place/' 
And I stayed my tears, — looking up to re- 
joice, — • 
For the sound I called grief, was only God's 
Voice! 



44 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

A shade came o'er my sunlight fair, 

As I stood in its warmth, one day ; 
It was not a swift cloud passing there, 

For it darkened the whole bright way. 
And I said, as I chilled in the gloom thus 

made, 
" Oh, the presence of woe brings an awful 
shade!" 

Then, through the dark. One spake to me: 
'' Oh, my child, wilt thou lift thine eyes? 
In the dazzling light thou canst not see 

Far above, to the calm, blue skies." 
And I looked up, glad, in the cool, dark 

air ; 
For the shade I called woe, was God's Hand 
raised there! 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 45 
"THE UNDISCOVERED COUNTRY." 

An answer to Mr. E. C Stedman's poem, " The 
Undiscovered Country/' 

"Who would not go/' 
With buoyant steps, to gain that blessed 
portal 
Which opens to the land we long to 
know ? 
Where shall be satisfied the souFs immortal, 
Where we shall drop the wearying and the 
woe 

In resting so? 

" Ah, who would fear ? '' 
Since sometimes through the distant pearly 
portal, 
Unclosing to some happy soul a-near. 
We catch a gleam of glorious light immor- 
tal. 
And strains of heavenly music faintly 
hear, 

Breathing good cheer ! 



46 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

" Who would endure " 
To walk in doubt and darkness, with mis- 
giving, 
When He whose tender promises are 
sure — 
The Crucified, the Lord, the Everliving — 
Keeps us those '^mansions " evermore 
secure 

By waters pure ? 

Oh, wondrous land! 
Fairer than all our spirit's fairest dream- 
ing— 
*^ Eye hath not seen '' — no heart can 
understand 
The things prepared, the cloudless radiance 
streaming. 
How longingly we wait our Lord's com- 
mand — 

His opening hand ! 

Oh, dear ones there. 
Whose voices, hushed, have left our path- 
way lonely. 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 47 

We come, ere long, your blessed home to 
share ; 
We take the guiding Hand, we trust it 
only — 
Seeing, by faith, beyond this clouded air 
That land so fair! 



COMPENSATION. 

Little bird! little bird! singing in the leafy 

tree, 
Hast thou heard, hast thou heard my heart 
question thee? 
When the pretty branch is broken 
Where thy nest was softly laid, 
When the loud storm-voice hath spoken, 
And thy sheltered home betrayed,— 
Little bird, oh tell me truly ; — sing it to me 

from the bough, — 
When such desolation cometh, little bird, 
what doest thou ? 

Troubled heart ! troubled heart ! questioning 
beneath my tree, 



48 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

I impart, I impart knowledge unto thee! 
On this earth are forests many, 
All for little birds like me ; 
If, among their branches, any 
Faileth my support to be, — 
Troubled heart, I tell thee truly, I look up, ■ 

and sing, and see 
Where the sun doth shine to show me, 
troubled heart, another tree! 

Dew-drop small! dew-drop small! sparkling 

on the blossom fair, 
Hear my call! hear my call! answer my 
despair ! 
When the blossom thou hast nourished 
Bendeth to the kissing breeze, 
And thy form, no longer cherished, 
Tosseth down with careless ease, — 
Dew-drop small, oh tell me truly ; — flash it 

from thy diamond brow, — 
When such faithlessness is proved thee, 
dew-drop small, what doest thou ? 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 49 

Wounded heart! wounded heart! speaking 

mournfully to me, 
I impart, I impart healing unto thee! 
If the blossom slight my sweetness, 
/ cmi lie among the grass; 
Shining there in all completeness, 
Though some miss me as they pass. 
Wounded heart, I tell thee truly, something 

needeth my small care; — 
If the blossom doth refuse me, wounded 
heart, I go elsewhere! 

Busy bee! busy bee! humming 'mid the gar- 
den sweet, 
Answer me! answer me! hear my heart en- 
treat ! 
When the first flower of the morning 
Tempteth thee with open Clip, — 
Dew and sunlight fair adorning, — 
Yet doth yield no fragrance up ; — 
Busy bee, oh tell me truly, — waft it on thy 

sweet breath now, — 
When such early hope hath failed thee, busy 
bee, what doest thou ? 

4 



50 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

Doubting heart! doubting heart! sighing in 

earth's garden free, 
I impart, I impart comfort unto thee! 
If the flower that bloometh early, — 
Wooing me with look so fair 
On its rosy lips dew pearly, — 
Yield no sweetness for my care. 
Doubting heart, I tell thee truly, — day is 

long, and I can wait, 
Other -flozvers will bring me honey, doubting 
heart, though blooming late! 

Merry brook! merry brook! flowing thro* 

the meadow-land. 
Upward look ! upward look ! hear my heart's 
demand ! 
When no rain from Heaven falleth, 
And thy fountain sinketh low; 
When thy parched lip vainly calleth 
To the clouds that heedless go. 
Merry brook, oh tell me truly, — write it on 

thy rippled brow, — 
When such thirst upon thee cometh, merry 
brook, what doest thou? 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 51 

Longing heart! longing heart! yearning 

with intensity, 
I impart, I impart blessing unto thee! 
If the rain in Heaven tarry, 
Dew still falleth with the night, 
Though the clouds no moisture carry. 
And the fierce sun burneth bright. 
Longing heart, I tell thee truly, — when no 

showers my fount renew, 
I am thankful still for finding, longing 
heart, some drops of dew! 

9|e ^' H^ H^ if. ip. 

Oh, my heart ! oh, my heart ! go forget thy 

human pride; 
Bid depart ! bid depart all thy learning wide ! 
For the weakest of earth's creatures 
Hath a voice to make thee wise! 
Chase the sorrow from thy features! 
Clear the weeping from thine eyes ! 
Oh, my heart, go learn thee truly, life is 

never wholly vain ; 
Somewhat, after all thy losses, oh, my heart, 
doth still remain! 



52 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

HILL AND VALLEY. 

I can look down in the valley, 

From my hill-top far and fair ; 
At my heart I smile for asking 

Ever, "Here, or there?" 
And I wonder at the question, 

Stepping o'er my favored height; 
Surely, heart, no longest seeking 

Finds a fairer sight ! 

Here is summer stillness, broken 

Only by the song of birds; 
And the air seems breathing, softly. 

Noble poet-words. 
There the noise of little children 

Breaks upon the sunlit air, 
And the mothers listen, smiling — 

Do they think it fair? 

Here are gardens rich and stately. 
Blossoms sweet and royal-rare; 

Not a touch to mar their beauty, 
Brightening all the air ! 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 53 

There the flowers that blossom wildly 

Nestle low amid the grass; 
And the maidens stoop to pluck them, 

Singing, as they pass. 

Here the sunset-glory lingers 

Radiant on the stately domes ; 
There the tree-tops bend to shadow 

Lowly cottage homes. 
Here the mountain splendor glitters 

Close and grand, by night or day; 
There the soft, low grasses border 

All the common way. 

I can lock down in the valley, 

From my hill-top, lone and grand: 
Surely, heart, no fairer summit 

Smiles in all the land ! 
And I wonder at the question, 

Standing 'mid the glory rare; 
Wonder at my heart for asking 

Ever, *' Here, or there? " 



54 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 



NONE OTHER NAME. 

^' For there is none other name under 
Heaven given among men whereby we 
must he saved." 

Oh, tender, loving heart, 
Whereon are written dear and precious 

names, — 
Sweet ties which earthly friendship fondly 
claims, — 
These all may have their part: 
But thou must write above all others there, 
Jesus — "none other name " so wondrous 
fair! 

Thou w^eary, longing heart! 
Yearning for some to cheer thee here below, 
Mourning for joys thou ne'er again shalt 
know. 
That name bids care depart ! 
Thou wilt not find thy comfort, seeking 
here, 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 55 

*' None other name " can hush each trem- 
blmg fear! 

Thou joyous, merry heart! 
Earth's sweetness will not always last for 

thee; 
Dark clouds v/ill come and bid the sunshine 

flee, 
All earthly joys depart. 
And thou must look beyond to higher 

things ; 
" None other name '' true joy and gladness 

brings ! 

Oh, burdened, sinful heart! 
Heavy with woe, bowed down with guilt 

and fear, 
Salvation w^aits for thee, but only here! 

From all else thou must part, 
And come the promised blessing here to 

claim, 
To Jesus — " for there is none other name ! '^ 



56 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

Oh, world of needy hearts! 
Why will ye ever seek where naught is 

found ? 
Why ache and yearn when such sweet 
things abound? 
This Name all grace imparts ; 
All love, all joy, all mercy soundeth here — ■ 
" None other name '' so great, so rich, so 
dear! 



FOR THE PAST. 

If all the hands that have clasped mine own 
Had ceased from their tender hold; 

If all eyes whose love-light I have known 
Were averted now, and cold; 

If every voice that has thrilled mine ear, 
Had changed in its fondest tone; 

If every heart that has brought good cheer, 
Were turned away from mine own; 

If every step that has come to me 
Over the Summer's soft grass. 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 57 

Had chosen another way more free, 
And I sat to hear it pass; 

If every soul that has leaned to mine, 
With its kindhng touch so dear, 

Had dropped the cup with its rare, sweet 
wine, 
And left me athirsty here; — 

I still would say — looking up to God — 
" I thank Thee for all the Past; 

For the joys that lie beneath the sod. 
For the bliss that could not last. 



WHEN? 

Rest when the autumn leaves have ceased 

to fall, 
Rest when the soul obeys its Maker's call, 
Rest when the great life-work of each is 

done ; 
Rest, lasting rest, beyond this setting sun. 

Joy Avhen the flowers we love have ceased 
to fade, 



58 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

Joy when the spirit's home in heaven is 
made, 

Joy when the loved ones leave us never- 
more; 

Joy, lasting joy, upon that brighter shore. 

Peace when the storms of earth have ceased 

to blow, 
Peace when the longing soul its God shall 

know, 
Peace when the aching heart lays down its 

cross ; 
Peace, lasting peace, and gain for every 

loss. 

Light when the clouds of earth have passed 

away. 
Light when there dawns the everlasting 

day. 
Light when the shades of sin and woe are 

done; 
Light, glorious light, that needs nor moon 

nor sun. 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 59 

Love when our doubts and fears no more 

shall grieve, 
Love when the soul its fulness shall receive, 
Love when the dear redeemed walk hand in 

hand ; 
Love, changeless love, in heaven's eternal 

land. 

GIRLS. 

Do you know how I pity you, girls, — poor 
girls ? 
There ! do not come near, in surprise ; 
I should drop all these tears on your fair, 
sunny curls, — 
These tears that are dimming mine eyes ! 
Oh, if I could weep them a thousand times 
more. 
And keep your glad cheeks all unwet, 
I would take all the pain back, of days that 
are o'er, 
And joy in the task I had set ! 

Do you know how I pity you, girls, — poor 
girls ? 



6o POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

You, — there in the soft, waving grass, — 
[With the stems of your dandelions stripped 
into ^' curls," 
And tossed on the breezes that pass ? 
Ah! the roses will grow, bye and bye, in 
your way; 
You will trample the meek, yellow flow- 
ers; 
But you never will laugh as you're laugh- 
ing to-day. 
Nor play away, careless, such hours ! 

Do you know how I pity you, girls, — poor 
girls ? 
Ah, yes, I can mark all your way ! 
You will string on your life-thread the beau- 
tiful pearls. 
And dream your best dreams in the day! 
You will look in the future, — an hour's 
length, — and cry, 
" Oh, glorious time that shall be ! " 
You will smile at the stars coming out on 
the sky, — 
*^ Oh, brighter my visions to me ! '' 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 6i 

Do you know how I pity 3^011, girls, — poor 
girls ? 
Ah, gaily the colors will glow 
On the banners your maidenhood proudly 
unfurls, 
While stepping to music you go ! 
You will have, oh, some thoughts all too 
tender and sweet 
To whisper to any one near; 
They will sing in your heart, with their 
blissful repeat, 
Till one comes, most worthy to hear! 

Do you know how I pity you, girls, — poor 
girls ? 
Oh, you will be zuomen, some day ! 
And the crowns that now nestle so light in 
your curls 
Will wither and vanish away! 
You will wash the fair colors of life with 
your tears; 
Your lips will make prayers more than 
songs; 



62 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

You will sigh, looking back at the beautiful 
years 
Where all your girl-glory belongs! 

And for that do I pity you, girls, — poor 
girls ! — 
Yet why should I tell you it all? 
Will not He, whose fair sunlight now shines 
in your curls. 
Be near, at your womanhood's call? 
And His Hand, that wreathes, thornless, 
pure maidenhood's crown. 
In love will send, also, the cross ; 
He wall give a new grace for each sweetness 
laid down, 
And gain that shall follow each loss ! 

GIRLHOOD 'AND WOMANHOOD. 

Do you see the fair height, oh my sisters. 

Far up in the radiant air? 
And the maidens who stand there all 
proudly. 

With touches of gold in their hair? 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 63 

You are going up there, oh, my sisters, 
To revel in sunlight and flowers ? 

To walk where each footfall is music, 
To sing in the beautiful bowers? 

I have been on the height, oh, my sisters! 

I breathed in the radiant air ! 
And he who went up there to find me, 

Saw sunlight of gold in my hair ! 

I was proud on the height, oh, my sisters ! 

I looked upon him who came there. 
And I answered him " Yes, I will love you, 

If you such a glory would wear ! '' 

And then, I was glad, oh, my sisters! 

So glad,— but so proud, all the while ! 
To stand with him there in the sunlight, 

And see how he watched for my smile. 

My heart was so light, oh, my sisters ! 

I thought to be loved was so sweet ! 
I thought it so grand, too, to love him 

Whose manhood knelt down at my feet. 



64 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

But I have come down, oh, my sisters, — 
Come down from the radiant air! 

And I stand here below very humbly; — 
I cannot go back, ever, there. 

A woman am I, oh, my sisters ! 

My maidenhood's left on the height : 
There, too, are the crowns worn so gaily, 

And the pride of the heart so light! 

My dreams become life, oh, my sisters; 

My fancies to longings are turned; 
And the love that I yielded so proudly, 

Like fire in my being hath burned! 

There are tresses of hair, oh, my sisters. 
Whose touch dims the thought of " fine 
gold"; 
There are hands whose least pressure would 
linger, 
Tho' angels should pause in their hold. 

And the voice that I heard, oh, my sisters, 
First calling me, up there on high. 

Hath become the one note of my being ! — 
I must live on its music — or die. 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 65 

And sometimes, I think, oh, my sisters, 
I would Hke to be girhsh, once more. 

This womanhood's crown is so heavy! 
Not Hke the gay maiden's I wore. 

Yet I would not go back, oh, my sisters. 
To wear the light crown, free of care. 

I only pray God that the worship 
I owe Him no human may share ! 

You are going up there, oh, my sisters ? 

I watch you, with tears in mine eyes. 
For I see where, — beyond the girl-glory, — 

The lot of your womanhood lies. 

Yet why am I sad, oh, my sisters ? 

God marks ev'ry step of the way. 
And whether on hill-top or valley. 

His Hand holds our own day by day. 

ON THE MOUNT. 

Oh, gracious, heavenly Hand! 
That, reaching down, hath met and clasped 
mine own, 

5 



66 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

And, leading me by ways I have not known, 

Hath brought me so to stand 
Upon this height, to breathe the fragrant 

air, 
And drink the joy of things so good and 
fair! 

Oh, wise and tender Hand ! 
That led me, — not through bright and easy 

ways, — 
But in rough paths, on dark and cloudy 
days, — 
To make more sweetly grand 
This coming forth to light and peace at 

last, 
This perfect Now, outweighing all the Past! 

Oh, patient, loving Hand! 
That hath not left me once through all the 

way; 
While I grew faithless, doubtful at delay, 

Crying, "A weary land!" 
Struggling against that tender clasp and 
strong, 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 6j 

That gentle Hand which bears with us so 
long! r 

Oh, bountiful, rich Hand! 
That, having led me to this fair earth- 
height, 
Doth spread thy blessings out before my 
sight. 
Filling my heart's demand ; 
^Till all the shadowy past seems flooded 

o'er 
And lost in this full sunlight evermore ! 

Dear, gracious Father-hand, 
Close, close, I pray thee, clasp my weak one 

still, 
Lest, roaming on this bright and flow'ry 
hill 
And viewing this fair land, 
I should forget my Guide, self-trustful be, 
And miss my highest joy, — the thought of 
Thee! 

And if, oh righteous Hand, 
Dark valleys lie beneath, where I must go ; 



68 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

If these fair joys I may not always know, 

Nor on this mountain stand; — 
Hold thou me still; and give me faith to 

say, 
** Thy way is best, — it leads to endless 

day." 

WORLD'S HELP. 

The world is brighter for women fair, 
For the tender eyes and the flowing hair. 

With its glory rare ; 
For the ripe-red lips that can smile and 

sing; 
For the touch of grace on each lowliest 
thing, 

Like the breath of spring. 

The world is better for women brave. 
Who stand with the Master, strong to save, 

By each sin-wrought grave. 
Who walk with their tender feet the way 
That is weary and rugged, day by day. 

For a torn soul's stay. 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 69 

The world is nobler for women true, 
Who carry the freshness of morning's dew 

At the noon's high hue; 
Who see, with their clear soul-vision, far 
To the glory that shines where no time can 
mar, 

Like the changeless star. 

The world is stronger for women pure, 
Who shine in their sphere, serene and sure 

From all false allure; 
Whose snowy palms are not shamed to fold 
Over hands that are rough and stained and 
cold, 

With a saving hold. 



''I WILL Gor 
(Genesis 24: 58.) 

" I will go ! " Yes, leaving all — ' 
All the life that erst I knew ; 

Former loves, or great or small, 
Centred in this one I view ; 



70 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT. 

Leaving all, I love thee so. 
With thee, chosen, I will go. 

I will go — from girlhood here, 
Sunny with its home-born love. 

Into woman's higher sphere, 

Where the lights and shadows move; 

All life's cares I then shall know, 

Yet, I answer, I will go. 

I will go — to bless thy way, 
Cheer thee with a gentle voice, 

Make thee happy every day, 
In thy lightest smile rejoice; 

All thy cares and joys to know 

As mine own — yes, I will go. 

I wnll go — to walk with thee 
On the rugged path of life; 

I will try a help to be, 

Sharing with thee in the strife; 

I will never leave thee — no — 

Till God calls me — I will go. 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 71 

I will go — stand at thy side, 
In the sunshine, in the shade; 

I will let no cloud divide 

This one life our two have made; 

Nobler, stronger, love shall grow, 

Reaching heavenward — I will go. 



''LAST, AN amethyst:' 

First, thoughts that shone like "Jasper,'' 

many-hued. 
And days with all the crystal light imbued ; 

Next, cloudless skies, like " Sapphire,'' clear 

and fair, 
And hope in glowing letters graven there ; — 

Then, drops of sweetness, thirsty lips anear, 
In cups of " Chalcedony" shining clear; 

Then, looking forth to future days that 

stood 
In "Emerald" beauty, fresh and glad and 

good. 



72 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

Next, hopes and prayers commingling day 

and night, 
Like " Sardonyx,'' in glowing red and white ; 

Then perfect knowledge, sweet confession — 

love! 
A radiant " Sardius," tinted from above; 

And then, through " Chrysolite,'' transpar- 
ent clear. 
All *^ sweet uncertainties" in truth appear; 

And every doubt and each misgiving goes; 
Like to a "Beryl," new the whole Past 
glows ! 

Next, precious words, with sweet half- 
glances cast; 

Like ''Topaz" tinged with rays that may 
not last; 

Then, blissful day melting to golden night -— 
'' Chrysoprasus," in colors fair and bright. 

Next, perfect oneness — parted joys all 

o'er — 
"Jacinth," to keep the heat from, evermore. 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 73 

"And last — an "Amethyst," placed here 

and worn; 
Sweet, final touch, this compact to adorn ! 

Oh, tender purple, let thy beauty shine, 
Lighting this hand which now I clasp in 
mine ; 

This hand which I shall clasp so evermore. 
Till angels reach one from the farther shore ! 

Oh, Hand divine! rest on ours, so, I pray, 
And guide us onward in thy perfect way. 

To where that Home's foundations fair 
exist 

Of precious stones — the last, " An Ame- 
thyst!'' 

UNCHANGING. 

*' She w^ill do him good, and not evil, all 
the days of her life.'' — Prov. xxxi : 12. 

She will take up her life, with its beautiful 
gems ; 



74 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

The love, and the trust, and the truth, — 
The beauty, the goodness which no man con- 
demns, 
The radiant dew of her youth ; 
She will lay the rich gift as a crown on his 

brow. 
Who hath bound her to him by the sweet, 
solemn vow. 

She will bring all the treasures her girlhood's 
glad years 
Had gathered and garnered away; 

Her hopes and her thoughts, without trem- 
bling or fears. 
All these on that altar to lay ; 

She will not look back, knowing woman's 
sure lot, — 

All her past in his future then lost and for- 
got. 

She will smile on him ever, with woman's 
brave smile. 
In light or in darkness the same ; 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 75 

No care shall annoy him, that she can be- 
guile, 
No sorrow that she cannot claim ; 

She will keep her sweet sunlight undimmed 
for him still, 

And her fair flowers blooming through 
earth's change and chill. 

She will speak to him ever with tenderest 
word, 
With music of love in her tone; 
No change in her accents of cheer will be 
heard, 
For times of prosperity flown ; 
Unwearied, unfaltering, day after day, 
A voice that can counsel and comfort and 
pray ! 

She will lift up the poor, common duties of 
life. 
And color them all with her love. 
Till the care and the toil and the weaiying 
strife 
Shall glow like the rainbow above. 



j(> POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

She will sweeten all things with her own ten- 
der grace, 
Till the lowliest home be a radiant place. 

She will hold in her touch all the balm of 

the earth, 
To soothe him in sorrow and pain. 
To bring him reward that his labors are 

worth, 
To urge him to effort again ; 
She will stand by his side, with her hand in 

his own, 
'Till the call of the Master leaves one of 

them lone. 

DAY BY DAY. 

The day grows old. Long since the morn- 
ing's dew 
And freshness vanished, as the fervid sun 
Rose o'er the vineyard. Slowly, one by one, 
The laborers are going; and anew 
The sweet home-lights are twinkling into 
view. 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 77 

The Master sitteth at the gate ; and none 
Can tell ! His hand records each labor done ; 
And life's dull hum strikes music through 

the blue ! 
I wonder if my hands to-day have wrought 
One thread of beauty for the Master's Eye, 
And if my life to-day, has echoed aught 
Of harmony, to reach the throne on high? 
Take courage, soul ! these little days of thine, 
Like gems in God's eternity may shine ! 

A SOUL'S WONDER. 

When I recount life's insufficiency — 

The many ills that weary human souls ; 

The sudden wave which from the darkness 
rolls 

O'er all our sunlit sands and shining sea ; 

The fretting chains that tell we are not free ; 

The sad-voiced bell which through our sing- 
ing tolls; 

The silent woe that no near heart con- 
doles — 



78 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

I wonder, thinking of eternity 
In that far land of bhss, if it can give 
Full measure for the loss and pain of 
earth ; 
If there each soul shall find full life to live, 
Outreaching strongly in a glad, new 
birth, 
/ wonder! Hope is dim, the way is long; 
Lord, strike some chord of faith through this 
low song! 



THROUGH SILENCE. 

If I should speak a name with anguished cry, 
Some human name, familiar by the love 
Which, through long years, has sought itself 

to prove. 
Perchance the owner, standing calmly nigh, 
With tender care and ever- watchful eye, 
Might hear the sound, just reaching him, 

above 
The din of eartnly voices, as it strove, 
In bitter need, to pass the sweetest by. 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 79 

Perchance, I say! Oh God, who seemest 

far, 
There is no need to speak Thy name at all ! 
Our mute white lips, that cannot say the 

word. 
Cry loudly unto Thee, through all the jar 
Of worlds. No sound of even tears that 

fall! 
And yet we know — we know that Thou 

hast heard ! 



'ALWAYS WHITE. 
EccL IX : 8. 

Earthly pilgrim, hearest thou ? 

In thy journey here below. 
With the care-marks on thy brow, 

And the cross that tires thee so, 
Thou must keep thine armor bright, 
And thy garments '' always white/' 

How can we upon this way. 
Narrow, full of dust and thorn, 



8o POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

Where the storm and terror stay, 
And the shadows dim the morn, 
How can we e'er walk aright, 
Keeping garments " always white ? ** 

We can never make them so, 
In our weakness and our want, 

But a higher Power we know 
Every needful grace will grant. 

He will lead our feet aright, 

Make our garments " always white." 

Are our robes all stained with sin? 

There's a fount of endless cure, 
We may freely wash therein, 

Every spot be cleansed and pure. 
Jesus points us to the sight — 
Robes washed there are ** always white.' 

In the narrow, thorny way, 

Through the dust, and storm, and woe, 
Jesus ever near will stay, 

Help us as we onward go; 
And at last, in heaven's own light, 
Give us garments " always white/* 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 8i 

HARVEST. 

After the sowing-time of tears 

Cometh the harvest of joy ; 
After the toils, the cares and fears, 
After the hope that dimly cheers, 

Bright reapings our hands employ. 

After the thorns that wound us so 

Cometh the fragrant flower ; 
After the cross we bear below, 
After the clouds that hover low, 

Dawneth the glad reaping hour. 

After the long and weary way 

Com.eth the heavenly rest ; 
After the saddened pilgrim-stay, 
After the toil and heat of day, 

Waiteth the home of the blest. 

After the watchings and the prayers 

Cometh the harvest's Lord ; 
After the faith, and works^ and cares, 



82 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

After the temptings and the snares, 
Waiteth the blissful reward. 

After the life-work here is through 

Cometh the reaping above ; 
After the shades that dim our view, 
After the earth-joys, faint and few, 
Reach we the heavenly Love. 



NOT NOW. 

'^ What I do thou knowest not now, but 
thou shalt know hereafter." 

We walk on, vainly seeking light 

To make our shadowed path more bright; 

But God's voice says, '' Not now ! '' 
A little longer we must move. 
Trusting His everlasting love. 

With faith's unclouded brow* 

Our hands stretch out with strong desire 
To grasp at something truer, higher ; 
We only feel the touch 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 83 

Df God's hand closing on our own, 
He saying, " All I will is known ; 
Be satisfied with such/' 

Our sweet flowers fade, our dear ones die, 
We look up tearful, pleading '' why? " 

But God's voice says, " Not now ! " 
A little longer we must stay 
Within the cloud that shades our way ; 

Our will to His must bow. 

Not now, my heart ! it may not be ; 
We cannot through God's dealings see 

With these sin-darkened eyes. 
" Hereafter '' we shall know what here 
Hath wakened many a trembling tear, 

Was only good and wise. 

All we can know is God's great love 
Marking our life-path from above. 

And doing all things well ; 
Here let us rest; we need no more. 
Till, gathered on that brighter shore. 

The song of praise we swell. 



84 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 



HERE AND THERE. 

No quiet here ! 
But far above, in regions of the blest, 
The weary soul shall find its lasting rest : 

There's quiet there! 
In that far Home beyond this toilsome clime, 
A calm and holy quiet, through all time. 

No gladness here ! 
But in that wondrous home to which we go, 
Eternal joys through endless ages flow : 

There's gladness there: — 
And when this cloud of earth has passed 

away, 
We shall go in to share eternal day. 

No sunshine here ! 
The shadows always hover close around ; 
But, oh, above ! such radiant beams abound ; 

There's sunshine there, 
Where He, the " Son of Righteousness " 

doth shine, 
And earth-worn souls rejoice in light divine. 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 85 

No goodness here ! 
Sin has so many snares for our weak hearts ; 
But from that Home all sinfulness departs. 

There's goodness there, 
Shed from the " fulness '' of the Holy One ; 
And robes of righteousness from Christ the 
Son. 

No treasure here ! 
Nothing that we can claim with perfect trust, 
But wealth is there that time can never rust ; 

There's treasure there, — 
Laid up by that same Father's loving hand, 
Who gently leads us toward that '^ Better 
Land." 



ANSWERED. 

beautiful stars that shine to-night 
So fair on the darkened sky, 

1 need no more that your constant light 
Should teach my faith to be calm and bright, 

As the days of life go by. 



86 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

I have cast up all the years to-night ; — 

I know that my God is true! 
The prayers I have prayed with tear-dimmed 

sight, 
With feeble faith that could find no light, 

Stand star-like now to view. 

And side by side with each feeble prayer, 

The glorious answer beams ; 
Rich, marvelous in its fulness there ! — 
I know He hath made my cause His care, 

As I mark the radiant gleams. 

Answered! — O feet on the narrow way, 
That long I have watched for there, — 

Your steps sound back to my heart, and say 
Answered! O doubtful at God's delay ! — 
Answered each long-ago prayer ! " 

Answered ! — O sweet, sweet blossoms and 
fair. 

Whose fragrance is round me now ! — 
I mind me of seed, of dark ground bare, 
Of doubting heart and of pleading prayer : — 

Answered ! — O flower-crowned brow ! 



(C 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 87 

Answered ! — O hearts that come back to 
me 
With your childhood's pureness still ; 
From the great world's snares and vices 

free, 
I mind me of tears, — of bended knee ! — 
O blessings my cup that fill ! 

Answered ! — O pitying midnight air, 
That hath borne my anguished cry ; 
Bear now from my soul glad praises there 
To Him who hath answered all my prayer, 
As the changeful years went by ! 

O beautiful stars that shine to-night 

The same as in years gone by ! 
Your Maker's my God ; — through dark and 

light 
I'll trust Him — I know His way is right ! 

He hath answered all my cry ! 

JUNE. 
The Gracious Master, — loving mortals so — 
Desired some gift in Nature to bestow — 



88 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

A gift that should surpass all others here; — 
A diamond to gem the circling year ! — 
With tender Hand, He culled from day and 

night, 
The fairest graces, — leaving all still 

bright ; — 
From ev'ry Season gathered rarest joy, — 
With bounty measureless, did all employ, 
And into one rich jewel moulded these ; 
While angel-watchers swept a heavenly 

breeze 
Of melody, to speed the wondrous boon. 
And God sent to His earthly children — 

June ! 



^ABANDON. 

Just for gladness ! just for gladness ! 
Sing the little birds to-day — 
Sing their merry roundelay — 

Dropping not a note of sadness 
Down upon our human way. 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 89 

Just for pleasure ! just for pleasure ! 

Bud and blossom seek the light; 

Lift their glowing faces bright, 
Smiling, glad to add their treasure 

To the joy of mortal sight. 

Just for sweetness ! just for sweetness ! 

Breathes the soft and perfumed air ; 

Breathes its cadence low and rare; 
Rounding into calm completeness 

Summer day so royal fair. 

Just for beauty ! just for beauty ! 

Shine the hills so far and fair; 

Gleam across the radiant air, 
Sentinels that smile in duty, 

'Neath the cloud- wrought crowns they 
wear. 

Just for blessing ! just for blessing ! 

Sits my soul amid it all ; 

Drops her cares and burdens small ; 
Feels the touch of mute caressing, 

Soft in benediction fall. 



90 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 



AT THE SEASHORE. 

'^ The whole multitude was by the sea." — 
St. Mark, 4:1. 

Down by the sea, in the summer time, 
Manhood, strong in its kingly prime, 
Youth and Age and Childhood gay; 
Maidens fair as the sunlit day. 
Women whose tender hands can mould 
Brightest links for the strongest hold ; — 
All God's people, so great and free. 
What are they doing, down by the sea ? 

Down by the sea, do they hear His voice? — 
Aching hearts, that would fain rejoice, — 
Doubting hearts, that have missed the 

way, — 
Weary hearts, that have none to stay, — 
Restless hearts, that have found no peace, — 
Prisoned hearts, that have sought release ? 
Hear His Voice, that is sweet and low, 
Sound through the waves as they dash and 

flow, 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 91 

Calling each name in tender tone, 
That none may walk by the sea alone. 

Down by the sea, are they growing strong? 
Brave for duty, and glad for song? 
Learning to breathe with larger breath, 
Earnest for life, and fearless for death? 
Drinking elixir for flesh and soul. 
From the never-tiring billows^ roll? 
Reading of faith and truth and grace, 
In the old, old ocean's changeless face? 

Down by the sea, — by the boundless sea — 
Spread for immortals, oh, can it be 
That any should live a vain, weak life. 
Narrow, and vexing, and full of strife? 
That any should bear a soul so low, 
Warped b}?- envy and pride and show ? 
That any should drop his kingly crown, 
Stooping to grasp at a day's renown? 
That any should miss the poem rare 
Sung by the sea and sky and air, 
Shutting his heart to the truths sublime 
Which never change with fashion or time? 



92 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

Down by the sea, as the days go by, 
Countless souls that can never die; — 
Great humanity's thirsting heart 
Seeking its draught in the world's hard 

mart; 
Life- fevered pulse, and throbbing brain ; 
Hands that are balancing loss and gain; 
Feet that must one day stand on the shore 
And turn from the waves, oh, nevermore ! 
What do they learn, as the days go by, 
Brightened by ocean and earth and sky ? 

What do they learn ? — Oh, Master dear, 
Speak to the " multitude " gathered here! 
Teach them how great their need will be, 
Of Him who once crossed o'er the troubled 

sea. 
And stood on the shores of Galilee. 

EMPTY SHRINES. 
All in the golden morn, we reared them 

high, 
And placed thereon our souls' ideal ones; 
And all the dewy air and glitt'ring suns 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 93 

Fell softly downward from the happy sky, 
And swept them clear of shadows passing 

by. 
At noon, we veiled our faces, as do nuns, 
To keep that peace, which sight familiar 

shuns. 
And now, at evening, calmly w^e descry 
Our empty shrines, white gleaming through 

the dark; 
Nor face, nor form, our homage to receive ! 
Ah ! silent monuments, that point above ! 
Our day has faded ; but the sign we mark. 
That none are perfect here, we will not 

grieve ; 
Since God is there, complete in life and love ! 

''NEVER TO OPEN AGAIN/' 

THE PASSION FLOWER. 

'' It endures hut for a brief time; in the 
morning it opens, and at night it begins to 
close, never to open again.'' 

Dear heart, may I say you the lesson 
I learned from this beautiful flower, — 

This wonderful flower of mine, — 



94 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

Which blossomed before me this morning 
All fresh in its sweetness and power, 
To fade with the day's decline? 
So radiant with beauty and vigor then; — 
Now fading, — *^ never to open again ! '^ 

Are there not, dear heart, — ah ! so many. 
Sweet flowers that bloom on our way, — 
On this common way we go, — 
Which open so fair in the morning, 
And fade with the close of the day, 

Whose fragrance we never know? 
We miss them : — we toil and strive among 

men; — 
They're closing, — ''never to open again! '^ 

There are hands that wait for our clasping 
Held out in the morn of the day, — 

Of the day that seems so long, — 
But we hasten not ours to reach them, — 
So careless, so sure of their stay ; 

Oh, negligent ones and wrong ! 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 95 

Too late ! — the night comes and the dear 

hands then 
Are closed, — not to open on earth again ! 

There are books that wait for our reading 
Spread out in the fresh early morn, — 
The morn with a light so fair ; 
But we stay not to turn their pages, 
Nor find the rich things that adorn, 

Oh, volumes so sweet and rare ! 
Laid open one day for the eyes of men, — 
Then closing, — " never to open again ! " 

There are doors that wait for our entrance, 
Wide opened to us in the day, — 

In the day that will not last ; — 
But we linger without, so careless, 
We wander along on the way — 

And the golden hour is past ! 
*Tis night ! — there are lights within ; — but 

ah, then, 
The doors close, — " nev^er to open again ! '* 



96 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

There are '* pearly gates '^ standing open ; — 
And now there is time! — it is day! — 
The day with a hope so bright. 
Oh, may we not miss, too, this glory, 
By going our own feeble way, 

Forgetting the coming night ! 
There is waiting One at the gates; — ah, 

when 
He closes, they never open again ! 

Dear heart, it is sad to go missing 
Such sweetness and joy by the way, — 
The way that has many flowers ! 
Let us seek out the lowliest blossom, 
And gather some fragrance each day 
In the early morning hours. 
For the fairest flowers God unfolds to men 
Soon close, — not to open on earth again ! 

Dear heart, shall we pass by the fairest, 
The sweetest, most wonderful flower, — 
The pure white flower for the sotdf 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 97 

It opens so fair in the morning; 
In fullness of perfume and power, 

Its beautiful leaves unroll ! — 
But the night is coming; — ah, then, — ah, 

then, — 
For us it will never open again! 



"AT REST^ 

APRIL I9TH, 1865. 

xA.ll is done! 
The earnest, active life is over now. 
And rest has come at last to that brave heart 
And those untiring hands! Nothing on 

earth — 
Not war nor peace, nor deeds of cruel foes, 
Nor kindly words of friends- — can move 

him now! 

The ever ready ear is closed alike 
To all complaints and all entreaties ; — none 
Of all a nation's cries can reach him more, 

♦President Lincoln. 
7 



98 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

Oh ! people, we must learn hereby to call 
More oft on our high Friend — yea, even on 

Him 
.Whose hand hath stricken down our coun- 
try's head. 

The lips whose plain and gentle words so 

long 
Have sounded calmly 'mid the nation's noise 
And tumult, now are silent ; — nevermore 
To counsel, comfort or command! 
Oh, people, we must learn to hear God's 

voice, 
That speaks more wise and tender than we 

know, 
Because we miss it so amid the sounds 
Of earth! 

The strong and steady hand that held 
Our country's cause so carefully, so true, — 
The hand unstained with deed of shame or 

hate, 
Is cold and pulseless now, and will not move 
Ever in all our need again! 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 99 

And we — 
Oh ! people — we must learn to reach by- 
faith 
Out through the darkness, unto God's great 

Hand, 
That metes out joy or woe to each of us, 
So wisely, tenderly and well : — the Hand 
Whose touch will never fail us — never — • 

through 
AllHfe! 

The faithful heart we learned to trust — 
The patient, loyal, kind, forgiving heart — 
The heart that learned its faith in Jesus, 

there 
Among the soldier-graves, — now throbs no 

more! 
We may not lay our country's honor now 
With hope and trust on that brave heart 

again — 
It is at rest ; — The vexing cares of earth 
Shall trouble it no more ! — Oh ! people, we. 
On whom the trial falls, must learn to trust 
More firmly in th' Eternal Heart, whose love 

LOfC. 



100 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

Is oft unknown, unfelt by us, because 
We cling so fondly to these human ones ! 

On this sweet April day, the silent form 
Of our brave President is carried out 
To rest beneath the sod. 

The birds sing on, 
The grass blooms fair; the sunshine is un- 

dimmed ; 
The man we loved is gone ! — hut God, our 

God, 
Reigns still! 



BE NOT WEARY^ 

2 Thess. iii : 13. 

Be not weary! look, dear brethren, 

See the fields already white! 
Soon the harvest's Lord appeareth, 
And our last day's labour neareth,— • 
"No man worketh when 'tis night' 

*For S. S. teachers. 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT loi 

Be not weary! countless treasures 
Yet ungathered 'round us lie ; — 

Gems to be re-set for heaven, 

Unto us the work is given, 
Dare we slight, or pass it by ? 

Be not weary! though our labour 

Seemeth oft to be in vain, 
God alone the increase giveth; 
He our feeblest work receiveth, 

And his smile shall be our gain. 

Be not weary! Count no labour 
Toilsome, done for Jesus^ sake; 
Time, strength, talents, all be given, 
Winning children's souls to heaven, — 
This our blessed life-work make! 

Be not weary ! Life is flitting, 
Soon our season will be o'er; 
Shall we meet no souls in heaven. 
Which unto our prayers were given? 
No fruits gathered on that shore ^^ 



102 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

Be not weary! live, oh teacher, 

Near to God, our fount of strength ! 
So His grace shall fail us never. 
And our lights burn brightly ever, 
Till He call us home at length. 



''SO HE BRINGETH THEM UNTO 
THEIR DESIRED HAVEN/' 

(Psalm cvii: 30.) 

''So!'' — through storms and darkness, 

Through great vi^aters deep. 
Through the cloud whose black embraces 

Hidden sunbeams keep; 
So, He brings his chosen there 
To the Haven safe and fair ! 

" So ! " — through fierce winds blowing. 

Through rough desert ways, 
Through long nights whose dreary darkness 

Reaches o'er the days ; 
So, He brings them Home at last, 
Safe from every stormy blast ! 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 103 



€C 



So!'' — through cares and trials, 

Through temptations strong, 
Through dead hopes, whose joyous blossoms 

Have been waited long; 
So, He brings His chosen home, 
Nevermore to sadly roam ! 

'' So ! '' — by tears and longings, 

By the spirit's strife. 
By the hands outreaching vainly 

Toward this empty life ; 
So, He brings them home to share 
In His perfect " fullness '' there! 

^'Sof — by small, slow footsteps, 

By the daily cross. 
By the heart's unspoken yearning. 

By its grief and loss ; 
So, He brings them home to rest 
With the victors, crowned and blest! 

'' So ! '' — by scattered ruins, 

By sweet links unbound, 
By fair blossoms all unheeded. 

Trampled on the ground; 



104 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

So, He brings them home to Him, 
Where no cloud their joy can dim! 

'^ So ! '' — oh weary pilgrim, 

*Tis the Master's way, 
And it leadeth surely, surely, 

Unto endless day! 
Doubt not — fear not — gladly go ; 
He will bring thee heavenward sol 



''HIS BANNER OVER ME WAS 
LOVE/' 

O heart grown weary of this endless strife. 
Fainting beneath the trials of this life, 
Look up from toils and fears ; O look above. 
And see. His banner over thee is love ! 

Through jfiercest conflict, in the darkest hour. 
Through the thick battle smoke and fiery 

shower, 
Through all — we, looking up, may gladly 

prove 
That still His banner over us is love. 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 105 

When sandy deserts tire our trembling feet ; 
When cooling springs we, thirsting, long to 

greet, 
How cheering is the thought that still 

above. 
His banner floating over us is love. 

Its glittering folds illumine all the way ; 
It IS our light by night, our shade by day ; 
No foe can tempt us from the path to move, 
For still His banner over us is love. 

We need not falter in the trying hour 
When enemies seem gaining greater power ; 
For through the clouds, still waving far 

above, 
We see His banner over us is love. 

O soldier of the Cross, what need of fear. 
What need to weary of the conflict here ? 
We know that naught His faithful ones can 

move. 
We know His banner over us is love. 



io6 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 



ANOTHER ANSWER.'' 

" AND WHITHER I GO YE KNOW ; AND THE 
WAY YE know/' 

Ah, yes, zve know, dear child! for He who 

gave us Hfe and breath, 
Draws near, unseen, and lights for us " this 

mystery of death/' 
And in our hearts His healing love falls 

softly o'er the pain ; 
We know that Christ, His only Son, once 

died and rose again! 

We know that the dear soul — the life — 
which left this still, cold form 

*To Walt Wliitman. 

In the middle of the room, in its white coffin, lay 
the dead child, a nephew of the poet. Near it, in 
a great chair, sat Walt Whitman, surrounded by 
little ones, and holding a beautiful girl on his lap. 
The child looked curiously at the spectacle of death 
and then inquiringly into the old man's face. " You 
don't know what it is, do you, my dear ? " said he, 
adding, "We don't either." 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 107 

Went out to God and waits us there, all lov- 
ing, glad and warm. 

We lay the empty form away and cover it 
with flowers 

Thanking the Lord, amid our tears, that 
such sure hope is ours. 

We know the way — the " Father's House," 

where " many mansions " are ; 
We know in whom we have believed — the 

"Bright and Morning Star," 
Who guides us through life's mystery, " as 

deep as death can be," 
And lights the smile on dying lips from 

joyful souls set free. 

We know they cannot come to us, the dear 

ones whom we miss ; 
Not even come to speak to us, one moment, 

of their bliss ; 
But we shall go to them some day, through 

the same gate of death. 
And solve our life's long mystery in one 

immortal breath. 



io8 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

We know that our Redeemer lives ; that we 

shall be " like Him." 
We reach and find Him through our pain, 

although our eyes are dim ; 
All things are known since He is known 

who took from death its sting; 
Who out of these "two mysteries" can 

such completeness bring. 



OUR BISHOP. 

THE RIGHT REV. W. H. ODENHEIMER, D. D., 
BISHOP OF NORTHERN NEW JERSEY. 

" Defend, O Lord — '' In reverent grief bow 

low 
A throng of heads at thought of those pale 

hands. 
Whose touch of blessing down life's heated 

sands 
Still lingers freshly; and the lips that so 
Have said their last for human souls below 
Of pleading prayer ! 

In silent, solemn bands, 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 109 

A mourning Church around this shepherd 

stands ; 
And men of strength and little children 

show 
By common sorrow what a power was here ! 
God's gentleness had made him great, and 

they 
Who in deep counsel sought his aid and 

cheer 
Found not more comfort than the child from 

play, 
Who laid her hand in his whom we revere. 
Weep, for a royal soul has passed away ! 



HUMILITY. 

A footprint on the barren, wave-washed 

shore ; 
A gentle voice amid the world's loud roar; 
A plant which blossoms at the mountain's 

base; 
A sweet, low breath that comes with gentle 

grace. 



no POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

A grateful shade upon the highway glare; 
A smile that lights the way with radiance 

rare; 
A stream that sparkles, low, among the 

grass; 
To bless the thirsty human lips that pass. 

A hand that reaches up to touch God's own ; 
That reaches down to help the lost and lone ; 
A look that comprehends the whole wide 

race. 
And shuts out only self from its sweet grace. 

A something, to all others fair and bright; 
A nothing, to itself by day or night; 
An image of the King who left His throne, 
To make the lowliest human life His own! 

WHAT WE MISS. 

Were all the golden grains in life's full 
glass,— 

(The swift, small grains, that drop un- 
heeded by) — 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT iii 

Soft gleams of blue across our daily sky, 
And glimpses of pure souls that near us 

pass, 
And words that strike, (when many sounds 

harass) 
Clear truth, like music, answering to our 

cry,— 
And sweet, calm loves we take and ask not 

why; — 
Were these all gathered, glitt'ring, from the 

mass. 
And threaded, jewel-like, that we might 

wear 
The glory 'round us, — ever in our sight, 
What wondrous riches would we count our 

own! 
With what glad hearts would keep the treas- 
ure rare ! 
Ah, poor indeed, who miss such warmth 

and light, 
Seeking beyond, for larger joys unknown! 



112 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT, 

JUST BEYOND. 

Weary life we live below; 
Shadows dim the sunlight so! 
There's a Home of endless rest 
Waiting for the ransomed blest. 

Just beyond. 

Rough and toilsome is the way; 
Care and trial round us stay. 
There the streets are purest gold ; 
Gates of pearl we shall behold, 

Just beyond. 

Desert thirst oppresses here, 
Yearning for a better sphere. 
There the crystal waters flow ; 
Precious " fullness '' we shall know, 

Just beyond. 

Brightest hours are fleetest here; 
Darkness falleth chill and drear, 
There shall never come a night , 
In that Land of glorious light. 

Just beyond. 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 113 

Death will meet us here below ; 
Through " dark waters '' we must go. 
Soon our anguish will be o'er ; 
Jesus standeth on the shore, 

Just beyond/ 

BLUE SKY. 

A little patch of Wue 

Among the cold gray clouds; 

A little ray of sunlight 

Through the dim mist that shrouds — 

O life ! take up the view, 

And know it is thine own; 

How fitting is the emblem 

This stormy sky hath shown! 

A little patch of blue 
Among the clouds of life ; 
A little hour for resting 
Amid the weary strife; 
A fleeting thought of joy 
Amid our sadness here; 
A little cause for smiling 
Amid full many a tear. 



114 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

A little ray o£ love 

Into a longing heart; 

'A little touch of romance 

Amid life's sterner part; 

A few bright wayside flowers 

To hide the wounding thorns; 

A breath of sweet afifection 

To cheer the heart that mourns. 

A little clasp of hand 
While on the rugged way ; 
A little word of cheering 
To light a weary day; 
A little dream of bliss 
To gladden lonely hours; 
A little time to linger 
In friendship's sunny bowers. 

A little beam of hope 
To light the darkness round ; 
A tone of passing music 
Amid earth's harsher sound; 
A feeble spark of faith 
In a Redeemer's love. 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 115 

Giving at last an entrance 
Into a Home above. 



''THE SUMMER IS DEAD/' 

^' Dead/' do you say? Can this be death 

indeed, 
Which steps so lightly none can mark the 

track ? 
iWhich takes the best, and none detect a 

lack? 
This, death, against which, souls in anguish 

plead ? 
The dull-eared listener to our human need? 
Why, here is sunlight, flashing warmly back 
Across the way he passed! No flow'r is 

slack 
To bloom! and gayly smiles the meadow- 
weed ! 
Did God send such a death, — a death-in- 

life, ^ 
(Where life overmasters strongly) so to 

teach 



ii6 POEMS OF LIFE JND LIGHT 

Our trembling hearts, thro' all this weary 

strife, 
Hope of that Endless Summer we shall 

reach ? — 
Oh, feet, tread royally o'er fields still green ! 
Heaven's bliss is pictured dimly, yet, I ween ! 

BUD AND BLOSSOM. 

The summer bloom is over 
The night falls soon — too soon. 
And chill is the light of the moon. 
Oh, where is the sweetness I thought to 
discover 
From buds that were fair in June — 

In June ? 

The autumn wind is sighing : 
Ended too soon — too soon — 
The song-bird's summer tune ! 
And where are the voices that whispered, 
replying. 
So soft on the breath of June? 

Ah, June! 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 117 

THE SINGER'S HOUR. 

'' Sing to me, now, O Poet ! make me a royal 

song! 
These are the days for music — golden and 

glad and long. 
Sing, in the rich, rare summer, with all the 

earth in tune, 
Bright with the blossomed glory that sprang 

from the heart of June/' 

" Ah, but I may not sing it ! There is no 

word nor tone! 
Full in the flood of glory, I, with my heart 

alone. 
Breathe in the joy and blessing, stand in a 

hushed delight; 
Words I would speak to tell it fall soulless 

from such a height/' 

'" Now do you sing, O Poet? now, when the 

land is drear. 
Dark with the gloom of winter, barren of 

warmth and cheer? 



ii8 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

Sing to me nowf O Poet, whence is this 

music rare, 
Deep with the depth of sadness, yet sweet 

as the summer air ? '' 

"Ah, 'tis remembered sweetness giveth the 
song to sing! 

Out of the depth of winter hearts may re- 
call the spring. 

Melodies struck in darkness, reaching the 
soul's high tune, 

Burn from the spark of glory that shone in 
some far-off June ! '' 

AN AUTUMN SONG. 

Oh, the changes will follow the years as 

they go. 
And shadows must mingle with sunlight, we 

know; 
The flowers we gather will wither at last, 
The songs we are singing be lost in the past ; 
Some links must be broken in life's golden 

chain 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 119 

And bells that rang sweetly may not ring 

again ! 
Yet why need we mourn, looking back o'er 

the way, 
When forth in the future such brightness 

may stay? 
For all of our losses comes something to 

gain, 
And pleasure close follows the footsteps of 

pain. 

Oh, the river that floweth forever the same 
May follow one channel, and bear the one 

name; 
But the flowers on its margin, the trees and 

the grass, 
Forever must change with the seasons that 

pass. 
And thus our affection — the stream of the 

soul — 
Right onward, forever, unchanging shall 

roll. 
Though that which hath blossomed once fair 

by its side 



I20 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

May sink away slowly with time's ebbing 

tide. 
Oh ! why need we sorrow for joys that are 

gone, 
While the life-giving river forever flows on? 

LEAFLESS BRANCHES. 

The tree was all leafless and bare, 

Its beauty had fallen away ; 
Yet a little brown bird sat cheerfully there, 
And it sang, through the chill of the gray 
autumn air. 
Such a beautiful, tender lay! 
Oh, little brown bird, are there none — 

No branches left leafy and green — 
That you come with your song, when sum- 
mer is done, 
To a tree that stands barren, untouched by 
the sun, 
Not a trace of its glory seen? 

The wind through the branches swept cold, 
Beneath them the withered leaves lay, 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 121 

And the little brown bird, whose summer 

was told, 
Sat and sang*, in the wreck of its green, 
shady fold, 
Such a beautiful, tender lay ! 
Oh, little brown bird, did you come 

To speak for the Master on high ? — 
To rebuke His poor child, whose sorrow is 

dumb. 
Who can raise Him no note in the joyous 
earth-hum, 
But is questioning, sadly, *^ Why ? " 

My beautiful branches were bare! 

Their green leaves had fallen away; 
But I looked up and smiled, through my 

dark despair, 
At the little brown bird who sat singing me, 
there. 
Such a beautiful, tender lay. 
Oh, little brown bird, sing your song. 

But sing it alone nevermore; 
For the heart you have wakened from si- 
lence long. 



122 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

In the bare, leafless branches, shall trust and 
be strong, 
And shall sing, though its summer be o'er ! 

ENOUGH. 

Dost thou need sunshine, heart ? 
Art weary of this cloudy, shadowed life — 
Of all this dark, unsatisfying strife? 

There is a sunny part. 
Where light and joy undimmed forever 
shine;. 




And Jesus says, poor heart, it ftify be thine. 

Dost thou need rest, my heart? 
Art thou so tired with care and toil and woe. 
And longing one unbroken peace to know? 

There is a quiet part— ^ 
A place where tli^u ni&yst go put off thy 

c^re^r^ V , 

A blessed rest, which Jesus bids thee share. 

Dost thou need love, O heart? 
Hast thou found all thy dear ones false and 
weak ? 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 123 

One pure, unchanged affection dost thou 
seek ? 
There is a loving part ; 
And thou mayst give out all thy sweetness 

there, 
To meet the love of Jesus, rich and rare. 

Dost thou need trust, my heart? 
Are all things faithless in this world below ? 
And dost thou long some truer thing to 
know? 
There is a faithful part — 
A hope which never fails, held out to 

thee — 
A trust in Jesus, whence all fears may flee. 

Dost thou need joy, my heart? 
Is sadness drooping o'er thy earthly way?' 
And doth the night seem to o'er-reach the 
day? 

There is a joyful part— 
A place of bliss, where sorrow never lives — 
An " everlasting joy/' which Jesus gives. 



124 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

Dost thou need much, poor heart? 
Art ever yearning, yet art never filled ? 
Hath earth thy weary longings never stilled ? 

Oh ! seek that '' better part/' 
All fullness dwells in Him who once hath 

died. 
Go, heart, to Jesus — and be satisfied. 



'' THE SUMMER IS ENDED/' 

As all around me — from the least flower 

face 
That lifts itself to greet the Autumn air, 
To the far hills, that shine serene and fair 
Through haze of amethyst — I miss some 

grace, 
Some subtle charm, swift vanished from its 

place _ 
Upon the last warm breath of Summer; 

bare 
Of all I thought to garner, rich and rare, 
With empty hands, where June has left no 

trace, 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 125 

I stand and wonder, if, beyond all this, — 
In that eternal Land's unclouded light, 
The fadeless summer grows for us more 

dear 
By ev'ry day's deep joys that now we miss ; 
If there the glory shows more wondrous 

bright, 
For all the beauty that escapes us here. 



OUR HOPE. 

If, in the depth of winter, one should lose 
The hope of spring — forget the voice of 

bird; 
If, back of chilling winds, no joy deferred 
Lay sleeping till the Master-touch shall 

choose ; 
If, in the whiteness, none might sit to muse 
On warmth and color, till the blood was 

stirred 
And all the waiting life took up the word 
And sang in joyful hope; if, dimly, views 
Of earth in rainbow garb came not to bless 



126 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

Tired eyes with patience set to look across 
The barren fields: what worth in anything? 
What end toward which our eager souls 

might press ? 
Ah, wait ! and count thy waiting never loss ; 
God's plan of Life lies folded in the Spring! 

A WINTER GARDEN. 
With slow, still steps the winter has come 

down 
My garden paths, and taken one by one 
Bright leaves and flowers, 'till the calm, far 

sun 
Shines patient through the dreary gray and 

brown 
Revealing naught of all that scented crown 
Which summer wore triumphant* Bloom is 

done; 
Save in one lowly spot, where surely none 
Would look, through frost, to find such 

brave renown. 
White-blossomed there, a single plant, un- 
harmed. 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 127 

Breathes life and sweetness on the barren 

air. 
Oh, royal flower of Faith ! Be glad, my soul, 
And sing adown the garden-walks, disarmed 
Of all thy loss, since one yet blooms so fair 
With God's spring-promise on its leafy 

scroll ! 

'ALL SAINTS DAY. 
(Rev. xvi: 13.) 

Blessed are they who stand beyond the 
River, 
Among the " multitude " before the 
Throne; 
They who have left all care and pain forever, 
Whose eyes are dimmed with earthly weep- 
ing never; 
Whose glad '^ new song " is of the Lamb 
alone. 

Blessed are they who wear the robes of 
whiteness, 
Serene, and pure from every earthly stain, 



128 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

Who walk before the Lord in calm upright- 
ness, 

Catching the glow of heaven's royal bright- 
ness, 
And find how all earth-loss hath wrought 
them gain. 

Blessed are they whose earthly life is over; 
Whose hands from ours the loving Lord 
hath drawn; 
Whose graves, to-day, with flowers we gen- 
tly cover, 
Feeling their happy spirits near us hover, 
And seeing faint, afar, the heavenly dawn. 

Blessed are they, so near our earthly keep- 
ing, 
And yet so far from all our earthly woe; 
Who, just beyond the toiling and the weep- 
ing, 
Beyond the little waking and the sleeping, 
Joy in the better life we wait to know. 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 129 



ADVENT. 

Softly He cometh, 

This King. 
No sound on the mountains afar ; 
No herald, save one silent star ; 
Nor highway with triumph to ring! 

Lowly He cometh, 

This King, 
No robes of bright purple and gold ; 
No pageantry royal and bold ; 
Nor banner its glory to fling! 

Meekly He cometh, 

This King. 
To sit in our earth-shade of woe; 
To wear our humanity, so 
That souls in their son-ship may sing ! 
****** 

Quickly He cometh, 

This King. 
Lord, even so ! — longing we wait 

9 



I30 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

Outside of the pearl-builded gate, 
Outside of the glory so great, — 
Till Thou our glad welcome shalt bring; 
Thou — Brother, and Saviour, 

And King ! 

^ADVENT. 

What if He come at the dawning ! 
When the mists hang white and still 
Over field and valley and hill ; 
When no little bird sings from its nest; 
And the world He loved is at rest. 

What if He come at the noonday ! 
When the pulse of life beats high, 
'Neath the fervor of sunlit sky ; 
When the echoes of hurrying feet 
Ring ceaseless on court and street. 

What if He come at the nightfall ! 
When the skies are gray and cold ; 
And the story of day is told. 
When the heart of the world throbs low, 
For the joys that are swift to go. 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 131 

What if He come, — even " quickly ! '' 
Shall the waiting Church, — His Bride, 
Stand joyful and pure at His side; 
Full of works that have left no stain 
On her robes made white through pain? 

DECEMBER. 
Old Year, stand close, and listen! 

We have something to confess. 
You are leaving us forever, 

And our hearts can do no less ! 
Let us whisper you our sorrow, 

All our longing and regret; 
We might have loved you better ;- 

Oh, that we could do it yet! 
But, Old Year, you are dying ! 

And we see you through our tears. 
God give you place and honor 

In His fair. Eternal Years! 

IN WINTER. 
Within a palace grand and white, 
Day after day I sit and wait 



132 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

The walls are crystal, royal-bright, 
And diamond points of wondrous light 
Adorn the close-barred gate. 

I sit and wait — the shining walls 

No prison for my hope can make. 
Afar, I know, the footstep falls 
Of the King's messenger, who calls 
The crystal bars to break. 

I know, some morning, I shall rise 

To find the icy gate unbarred ; 
To see a new light in the skies. 
And, where my ruined palace lies, 
The ground with flowerets starred. 

Perchance, just there, beside the gate. 
Whose diamond light shall chill no 
more, 
A little robin, with his mate, 
Will tell the message sweet and great ; 
Aye, sing it o'er and o'er. 

For well I know the King will send 
This message to make joy more deep; 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 133 

That death in life may sweetly blend; 
All faith in glad fruition end ; 
That they shall wake who sleep. 

I sit within, and smile to know 

How surely, surely it will be! 
How, underneath the still, white snow, 
The gentle brooklets wait to flow. 
And flowers to bloom, for me ! 

CHRISTMAS-TIDE, 
We are tired of the weary warfare; 

The daily cares that annoy; 
But the one true thing that is left us 

Is the dear old Christmas joy. 

So we lay aside all our trouble. 
The cares that we cannot name ; 

And rest us, awhile, in the gladness 
That ever has been the same. 

The same old remembrance and giving, 

Always so sweet in the end ; 
Ever since the great Master-giver 

Came down to be King and Friend. 



134 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

The same fragrant odor of cedar, 

Of hemlock, holly and pine ; 
Which only grows fresher and sweeter 

With memories that years entwine! 

The same '^ Merry Christmas " resounding, 

The same old story again, 
As sweet as when told to the shepherds, 

Of " peace and good-will to men/' 

The same gladsome chime of the church- 
bells, 

The same old carols and cheer ; 
The same weary world that is smiling 

As the Christmas-tide draws near. 

And we turn aside from our trouble, 
From all the cares that annoy ; 

To rest us, awhile, in the brightness 
Of the dear old Christmas joy ! 

CHRISTMAS CAROL. 

The world lay silent, sleeping in its sin; 
Its pulse of hope beat weariful and low. 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 135 

Would that new life it longed for, e'er be- 
gin? 
Where was that Saviour, promised long 
ago? 
Along the starry sky. 

The answer throbbed its way, — 
" All glory be to God on High ! 
For Christ is born to-day ! " 

" This day ? this day ? Is all our waiting 
done ? 
And shall we watch and wonder, now, no 
more? 
Hath He, ^ Messias,' come, — the Perfect 
One? 
The King, whose Voice proclaims our 
bondage o'er ? " 
Through all the weary earth 

The answer breathed its way, — • 
Proclaiming sweet, that wondrous 
Birth, 
^^ The Christ is born to-day ! '' 



136 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

Across the grassy slopes, the lowly feet 
Of shepherds pressed, to seek that Saviour 
King. 
Are there no pageants, then, — no pomp, to 
greet 
This Lord, whose reign such bounteous 
joy shall bring? 
And lo ! an Angel throng, 

In glorious array. 
Reply with burst of wondrous song,^ 
" The Christ is born to-day ! '' 

All humbly cradled, — as a Child of earth — - 
In lowly garb, an Infant sleeps in peace. 
Can this be Israel's King ? — this He, whose 
Birth 
Shall break each chain, and bring our 
souls release! 
Earth's myriad voices swell 
In one responsive lay — 
" Lo, this is He ! — Emmanuel! 
Our Saviour — born to-day/* 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 137 

THE CHRISTMAS STORY. 

I. 

In the fields, the shepherds, watching, long 
ago, their 

Flocks by night, 
Saw a sudden glory shining 'round about 
them. 

Wondrous bright. 

II. 

In this new and marvelous glory, how the 
starlight 

Seemed to fade! 
And the silent shepherds watched it, trem- 
bling ; — " they were 
Sore afraid." 

III. 

Lo! an angel in the brightness! messenger 
from 

God on high I 



138 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

Shall the still, dark earth be wakened by a 
blessing 

From the sky? 

IV. 

" Fear not ! " said the herald angel ; " tidings 
of great 

Joy I bring! 
Unto you is bom a Saviour, — Jesus 
Christ, the 

Lost world's King! " 

Y. 

Then he told them of the city where the 
Infant 

King would be ; — 
Not arrayed in costly garments, with the 
marks of 

Royalty ; 

VI. 

Only "wrapped in swaddling clothes, and 
lying in a 

" Manger '' bare, — 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 139 

Yet no earthly king has ever worn a jeweled 
Crown so rare! 

VII. 

As the angel spake the Story to the shep- 
herds 

Listening there, — 
Hark ! a " multitude '' of voices fill with 
praise the 

Shining air ! 

VIIL 

Not one angel — but a "host/' to sing — 
while darkness 
Passed away, 
" Glory in the highest, glory ! " for The 
Saviour 

Born that day! 

IX. 

When the angel-song was ended, and the 
shepherds 

Were alone, 



140 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

Did they linger, whispering, wond'ring, at 
the story, 

Now their own? 

X. 

Linger, — when the Lord they needed, had 
been born, 

A Child, on earth? — 
^^ Let us go/' they said, " and find this place 
of high 

And holy Birth!'' 

XL 

Going thus, they found The Jesus; — all 
the angel 

Story true! 
And that old, old Story seemeth, evVy 
Christmas, 

Fresh and new. 

XIL 

That Dear Infant, born so lowly, is our 
Saviour 

And our King ; 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 141 

And that " Glory in the highest," is our 
Christmas 

Song to sing ! 

XIII. 

When we hear this wondrous Story, told 
amid the 

" Box and pine," 
While the Holy Place we love, is garlanded 
with 

Greenest vine, — 

XIV. 

Let us go, too, like the shepherds ; find this 
Jesus 

Whom we need; 
Then shall " Merry Christmas '' be to us a 

Festival indeed! 

XV. 

Then, within the dear Church portals, shall 
our joy be 

Made complete; 



142 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

And our best gifts, — taken — given — • 
kneeling at the 
Saviour's feet! 

XVL 
He for us: — (oh, undeserving!) we for 
Him: 

(Oh, wondrous grace!) 
Till earth's Christmas days are ended, and 
we see Him 

Face to face ! 



WHITE PAGES. 

Oh pages white, that lie unturned 

Within the New Year's silent scroll, 
What record cometh to be learned. 

As ye unroll? 
What for the anxious heart to know? 
What on the spotless white to show? 

Oh pages white, will tear-drops fall 
From aching, weeping, human eyes, 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 143 

And leave their sorrowing stains where all 

Thy beauty lies ? 
Marks of a grief no pen can write — 
Silent tears on the spotless white? 

Oh pages white, will smiles beam there, 

From happy human lips that fall, 
Like sunshine on the cloudless air, 

Engilding all? 
Traces of joy so fair, so bright,— 
Sweet, glad smiles on the spotless white? 

Oh pages white, will shadows fall 

From disappointed human hearts, 
When sweet hopes lie in ruins all, 

And love departs? 
Records of loneliness and blight — 
Shadows dark on the spotless white? 

Oh pages white, will songs be there, 

For happy human lips to sing? 
Glad notes, upon earth's summer-air - 

Sweetly to ring? 
Records from voices glad and light — 
Joyous songs on the spotless white? 



144 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

Oh pages white, will answered prayers 

Appear to waiting human eyes, 
From One who carries all our cares. 

And hears our cries? 
Records of trust, our way to light — 
Rainbow-hues on the spotless white? 

Oh pages white — I do not know — 

I cannot tell what may appear, 
What waits my life, of joy or woe, 

This coming year ! 
I only know God's hand will write 
With wisdom, on the spotless white! 

THE YEARS. 

Silent — silent ! like God's blessing on a sin- 
bewildered earth! 

Coming — coming — with a glory and a 
promise at their birth! 

Wondrous — wondrous, white-winged her- 
alds, with a wordless mystery. 

Bearing with them gleam and glimmer of 
the far-off ''jasper. sea/' 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 145 

Swiftly — swiftly — down our earth-way; 

bringing treasure all unknown; 
Reaching out still hands to touch us with 

the radiance of a Throne ! 

* :|C * * * 3(C 

Silent — silent ! going — going — out be- 
yond our utmost reach! 

Bearing with them so much sweetness scarce 
we knew they came to teach. 

Swiftly — swiftly — while we struggle for 
a little less or more, 

Down their tide dear footprints vanish, leav- 
ing ours upon the shore ! 

Calmly — calmly — while our pulses beat to 

evVy siren tune. 
On their waves our sunlight trembles, and 

our day grows dim at noon ! 

Onward — onward — ending ever at God's 
footstool ! Ah, will He 

Merge these weary fragments into His se- 
rene Eternity? 
10 



146 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 



A WIDE WORLD. 

A wide, wide world ! But a chain of gold 

Winds about it and through it all ; 
And the Hand above keeps a sure, strong 

hold, 
Though we miss the links, and our faith 
grows cold, 
And our sad tears bitterly fall. 

A wide, wide world ! — - with so many ways ! 

And we scarcely may choose our own. 
And they widen so, as we sadly gaze ; 
But the Hand above holds the chain of days, 

And no footsteps are ever lone. 

A wide, wide world! — and the mists arise, 

As we lose some dear form from sight; 
And we seek through the distance with ach- 
ing eyes ; 
But the Hand above keeps its hold more 
wise, 
And will bring us at last to light I 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 147 

A wide, wide world ! — and its eager call 
Bears away from us voices dear ; 

And the broken strings from our life-harps 
fall! 

But the Hand above feels the thrill of all, 
And will bind them more sweet and clear. 

A wide, wide world! But our hearts are 
brave, 
As we think of the chain of gold. 
Though we drop the bright links in many a 

grave. 
We are sure of the Father's hand to save. 
And to bind with its firm, strong hold ! 

THE BEST SONG. 

" Sing for me ! " Love spake the word ; 
And the singer gladly heard, 

Striking so 

Sweet and low. 
Thrilling notes with gentle flow. 
But the song died soft away, 
Like the glory of a day. 



148 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

" Sing for me ! " Fame lordly cried ; 
And the singer turned with pride; 

Striking fair, 

Music rare, 
Far across the glowing air. 
But the song fell from its height 
As a star falls in the night. 

** Sing for me!" the World required; 
And the singer's soul was fired. 

Magic sound. 

Sweeping 'round, 
Every human heart-spring found ! 
But the song was lost afar 
In the great world's din and jar. 

" Sing for Me ! " the Master said. 
And the singer bowed his head. 
Waiting there, 
For the rare 
Kindling of the poet-air. 
. And the song he sang that day, 
Lived, when all else died away! 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 149 



CHANGED. 

A few years since, the red lip smiled 
With the free joyance of a child; 

No care was on thy brow ; 
Now, woman's tender smile is there; 
Less'gay, less bright, and far more rare; 

Deep thoughts are with thee now ! 

A few years since, the youthful eye 
Looked blue with careless gaiety, — 

Beamed only with delight; 
Now, earnest things are written there, — 
A woman's faith, and hope, and care; 

A milder, truer light ! 

A few years since, the happy tone 
Spoke words of mirth and bliss alone, — 

Did ever but rejoice; 
Now, gentler, lower it hath grown; 
A woman's patient, thoughtful tone, — 

An earnest, helpful voictl 



150 POEMS OF' LIFE AND LIGHT 

A few years since, the girlish feet 
Tripped lightly forth, new joys to greet, 

Nor wearied all the day; 
Now, woman's step, more firm and sure. 
Walks straight, leads others, doth endure 

Through every toilsome way. 

A few years since, the happy heart 
Knew only of life's sunny part. 

And throbbed to joyous sound; 
Now, woman's heart, more strong, more 

true. 
Bears up with life's dark clouds in view, 

And braves the storm around! 

A few years since ! Ah ! never more 
I'll know thee as I knew before, 

In girlhood's sunny day ! 
Yet I would not that thou shouldst be 
Aught else than now thou art to me; 

God bless thee so, I pray ! 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 151 
'' LITERARY life:' 

AN ANSWER. 

A lonely life, that walks through sun and 

shade, 
And takes no share in all the sweetness 

made; 
That stands on mountain-top, to catch the 

glow, 
And misses all the warmth of valleys low! 

An empty life, that gives its best of wine, 
And sits athirst beneath the fruitful vine ! 
That spreads the feast where others join to 

share, 
And hungers, in the midst of viands rare. 

A shadowed life, that lifts the curtains high 
For human souls to see the sunlit sky. 
That brings the glory down from starry 

spheres, 
And stands aside, in darkness and in tears ! 



152 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

A weary life — that tracks all space to find 
The secret spring to every human mind ; 
That touches every chord with music sweet 
And treads its silent path with aching feet ! 

LITERARY LIFE No. 2. 
A woman's last word, under protest. 

Is not the star the fairest that shines on the 

cold, dark night? 
And is not the flower the rarest that blooms 

on the barren height? 

But the fire is warm on the hearthstone, 
where the dear ones sit around, 

And the flowers are sweet and plenty that 
blossom low on the ground. 

Is not the hand the strongest that climbs to 

its height alone? 
And is not the life the longest that the cold, 

wide world will own? 

But the hands of the little children clasp 
warm on the ways below, 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 153 

And joy sings soft, in the common life, that 
the world may never know. 

You think you can compass fairly the sweet, 

warm household life, 
And the height where men breathe, rarely, 

strong words with music rife? 

Ah, no ! your meek bright flowers would die 

on the far, cold height. 
And your shining love-lit hours would pale 

in the poet-night ! 

I choose me the cold, dark night, for the 

sake of the starry power; 
And I choose me the barren height, for the 

hope of the one rare flower. 

Your words ring out to me clear, with a 

strong and helpful tone ; 
" Sing bravely! '' Ah! yes, no fear for the 

way that is sad and lone ! 



154 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

MY TALENT. 

^*Long time ago/' he said, "the people 

praised 
My work; my hand wrought readily and 

fair, 
The sunshine quickened, and the dewy air 
Breathed inspiration ! sweet flow'r-cups up- 
raised 
Dropped essence of pure thought ! Red sun- 
sets blazed, 
And thro' the glory fell a silence rare. 
Throbbing with speech no human words 

could share! 
But now, I stand here humbled and amazed, 
The art forgotten, — lost ! — Oh can it be 
That I have forfeited the gift divine? 
That He who gave, hath fault to find with 

me? 
That His dear Purpose hath been lost in 

mine? 
Master, I kneel me at Thy Feet, and ask 
Trust me to do for Thee some smallest 
task!" 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 155 

WAY-MARKS. 

"what mean these stones?" JOSH. 

IV. 21.8. 

They are way-marks, to tell you the story 
Of one little life, that is planned 

By the Master who sitteth in glory, 
And holdeth all power in His hand. 

Only one little life, that is merely 
A speck in His beautiful earth! 

Yet r know that He loveth it dearly, 
And counteth it wondrous for worth. 

This one marks where my summer-time 
faded, 

My summer of life, in its bloom; 
Where the sunlight of joy was o'ershaded, 

And blossoms lost all their perfume. 

This one tells where my treasure is buried ; 

My beautiful, glittering gold; 
The bright, precious jewel I carried, 

That slipped from my tenderest hold. 



156 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

This one shows where I paused in my sing- 
ing, 
My own pleasant, gay Httle song ; 
Where the joy-bells were hushed in their 
ringing, 
And sorrow fell, silent and long. 

This one tells where my pathway was bro- 
ken, 

My path through the beautiful green; 
And all the fair visions unspoken, 

Slow faded away from the scene. 

Oh, the white stones that mark all my going ! 

That gleam through the dark of the night ! 
I can walk by the love they are showing. 

Till faith shall be ended in sight! 

For the Master who sitteth in glory. 
He knoweth the path that is best; 

And the way-marks that tell you the story, 
Will lead me to gladness and rest ! 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 157 



WOMAN AND POET. 

What have / to do with poems? — I, a 

woman, glory-cr6wned, — 
Without ivy — by these tresses falling softly 

to the ground ? 

Can I sing them worth your hearing? I, a 

woman, kept so weak 
By this heart you all see beating, and this 

blush upon my cheek? 

Did God make me to sing poems, — I, a 

woman, shrinking so 
From the sun-glare on the highway, where 

you men unfaltering go? 

God made poets of all women ! I, a woman, 

this can tell ; 
And He listens for the poems, watching if 

we sing them well. 

But He gave us tender voices. I, a woman, 
threw mine own 



it^S 'POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

Out to reach the ear of nations, — and it 
trembles in its tone! 

All trite women are true poets! I, a woman, 
who can sing, 

Weep to read my sisters' poems, by the fee- 
ble rhymes I string! 

Oh, my sisters, I am weary! I, a w^oman, 

lost my way ! 
Let m.e look in at your windows, where the 

little children play ! 

Do they hear you singing softly? I, a wom- 
an, looked so high. 

That I missed their little faces, bright with 
color from the sky. 

Oh, soft footsteps 'round the hearthstone, I, 

a woman, trod the sand ; 
And the waves washed out the prints that 

were not made at love's demand. 

Oh, fair faces at the lamplight ! I, a woman, 
turned 7ny face 



POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 159 

Toward the stars, which never warmed me, 
shining in their far, cold place! 

Oh, cool palms, with healing touches! I, a 

woman, hang mine down 
Sadly, for they missed a forehead, grasping 

at a petty crown ! 

Oh, sweet voices at the cradle ! I, a woman, 

have grown hoarse. 
Singing to the far-off strangers, who, un- 

soothed, kept on their course. 

Oh, my sisters, you the crowned ones ! I, a 

woman, tell you true ; 
Yes, you wear the greenest ivy; sing the 

sweetest poems, too ! 

Take my harp ! — here ! — I, a woman, yield 

it unto you, oh, man ! 
Sing the poems, — sing them better, — 

braver, — for I think you can ! 

And I kneel me at God's footstool; I, a 

woman, waiting so 
For the woman-glory, which I scorned for 

the poet's, long ago. 



HOUSEHOLD POEMS 



i6i 



HOUSEHOLD POEMS. 

A MARRIAGE SONG. 

Another new link shining in our chain of 

love to-day! 
Another name entwining 'mid the household 

words we say ! 

Another vessel sailing from the harbor out, 

away! 
Another Future showing fair as far as hope 

can stray ! 

Along the shining river, v/e have met, with 

smiles and tears. 
To see the white sails quiver in the breeze 

that brings no fears. 

To see the bark sail lightly out towards an 

unknown sea; 
While all the air gleams brightly with the 

glories that may be. 
163 



1 64 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

Oh, wind and wave and weather, we have 

you no boon to pray. 
We only look, together, to The Hand that 

leads the way. 

The Hand whose touch has moulded evVy 

link within the chain 
Will keep all safe enfolded thro' the earthly 

joy or pain. 

The Hand that keeps in Heaven shining 

links with tender care, 
Will hold the chain unriven, 'till it meets, 

completed, there. 



BABY'S BIRTHDAY. 

Golden threshold, leading outward to a 

world so strange and wide, 
And a little figure standing with a timid 

baby-pride. 
Looking through the sunlit Present, to a 

Future all untried ! 



HOUSEHOLD POEMS 165 

Little hands, what will they gather ? Little 

feet, where will they go ? 
Are there thorns among the blossoms ? Are 

there snares that do not show? 
Oh, fair mist that hides the Future! 

God's sweet blessing curtained low! 

Close about the shining threshold cluster 

loves of riper years ; 
Knowing well their strength is weakness; 

smiling amid sudden tears ; 
As they watch the young life budding, — 

hers the joy, and theirs the fears. 

Baby- faith, reach down and help us, since 

we cannot reach to you ! 
Touch us with the light of Heaven that is 

nearer to your view ; 
So our love shall rest serenely in the One 

Love strong and true ! 

ONE YEAR OLD. 
We think of the old, worn pathway, — 
We look at the little feet,— 



i66 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

And our hearts grow heavy with knowing 
The weariness they must meet! 

Oh, weak, human hearts! that only 
Can love and tremble and pray ! 

God guides the feet of the baby 
Who is one year old to-day. 

We think of the mists on our mountains,— 

We look in the glad, young eyes, — 
And our own grow dim with the knowledge 

That tears and clouds must arise! 
Oh, faithless ! — the smile of our Father 

Hath kindled the innocent ray; — 
He lights the path for the baby 

Who is one year old to-day ! 

We think of the flowers that have with- 
ered, — 

We look at the eager hands ; — 
Must they, too, be reaching out vainly, 

One day, on Life's barren sands? 
Ah, do we forget heaven's windows 

Stand open in blessing alway? 



HOUSEHOLD POEMS 167 

God holds the hands of the baby 
Who is one year old to-day ! 

We think of the cold winds blowing, — 

We look in the warm, young face, — 
And we sigh for the roses blooming 

Where Winter shall find the place! 
Oh, troubled hearts, God's sweet sunlight 

Shines down on the pilgrim way; 
His arms are around the baby 

Who is one year old to-day ! 

We think, — ah, we know, that One wiser, 

More strong and more tender than we. 
Looks down on us all, — and His mercy 

Our anchor alone can be. 
Oh, Father, on Thee all the burdens, 

The fears and misgivings, we lay; — 
We know Thou wilt care for our baby, 

Who is one year old to-day ! 

LITTLE BLUE SHOES. 

Two little blue shoes there, — 

Faded and soiled and worn, 



i68 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

Empty and still and torn ; — 
What do I see so fair, 

Watching them, night and morn ] 

Two little feet I see, 

Growing too large to wear 
Ever the blue shoes there; 

Going with step so free 
On toward the life of care! 

Two little blue shoes there, — 
Worn in a smooth, soft way, 
Pure from a stop astray ; — 

What do I see so fair, 
Looking at, day by day? 

Two little feet I see, 

Stepping from pair to pair ; — ^ 
O, will those shoes stand there, 

Pure from their paths, to be 
Mates for the blue ones fair? 

Two little blue shoes there, — 
Never to patter more 
Over the dear home floor ; — 



HOUSEHOLD POEMS 169 

What do I see so fair, 
Looking at o'er and o'er ? 

Two little feet I see, 

Going out all alone, 

Out to the way unknown, 
Thinking not thorns may be 

In with the soft grass grown! 

Two little blue shoes there, — 
Resting from all their ways. 
Ended their useful days, — 

What do I see so fair. 

Looking with tender gaze? 

Two little feet I see; — 
And I look up to pray, 
" When they are tired some day. 

Call them, O God, to Thee ! 
Up on the golden way ! " 

THREE YEARS OLD. 

Three little paces traveled, all on the grass 
of life. 



I70 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

Pure from dust of the highway, safe from 

the heat of strife ; — 
Oh, for the feet unwearied, — oh, for the 

unknown way. — 
Pause we amid our gladness, Hfting our 

hearts to pray ! 

Three little glances taken, all through the 

sunlit air, 
Free from the shades of sorrow, clear from 

the mists of care; 
Oh, for the eyes unclouded, — oh, for the 

unseen way, — 
Cease we amid our smiling, — bending our 

lips to pray! 

Three little blossoms gathered all in the 
dewy morn. 

Safe from the blight of noonday, free from 
the wounding thorn ; — 

Oh, for the eager fingers, — oh, for the bar- 
ren way, — 

Rest we our glad embraces, folding our 
hands to pray ! 



HOUSEHOLD POEMS 171 

Three little crowns worn lightly, — all of 

life-jewels rare; 
Pure from the worthless metal, free from 

the weight of care ; — 
Oh, for the brow unaching, — oh, for the 

Cross-marked way, — 
Cease we our proud rejoicing, bowing our 

heads to pray ! 

Three little pages numbered, all with their 

story bright, 
Clear from the blot of trouble, pure from the 

stain of blight ; — 
Oh, for the heart unknowing, — oh, for the 

untold way, — 
Pause we amid our singing, hushing our 

tones to pray! 

Three little years ! — oh, heavenly, threefold 

cord of Love, — 
Father and Son and Soirit, — reach from the 

throne above, 
,Wind round our darling closely, — guide her 

through all the way ! — 



172 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

Be this the birthday gift that shall answer 
us while we pray ! 



IN MEMORY OF A MOTHER. 

Beautiful Heaven, — so near! so near! 

Drawn in its glory around the sad home. 
Mother up there, — we waiting still here ; — 
Only between us God's hand, that shall clear 

Soon every shadow, and bid us all come! 

Beautiful death ! — not a doubt nor fear ; — 
Only God opening Heaven's bright 
door ; — 
Mother gone in, — we waiting out here, 
Counting her joys by our own every tear ; 
Glad, through our loss, at her gain ever- 
more. 

Beautiful life, that never can die! — 

Fragrance God left us in taking the 

flower. 
''Mother," — say sweetly the hours going 

by;- 



HOUSEHOLD POEMS 173 

" Another," — our reverent hearts reply, 
Feeling the name such a watchword of 
power. 

Sing, little birds, 'round the home she has 
blest ! 
Sing, though the branches are bare of 
their leaves. 
Mother is gone ! — God has taken our 

best ; — 
Only for love, and to give her His rest; — 
Sing of her joy, to each spirit that grieves ! 

Shine in, sweet sunlight, on ^^ mother's 
room ! " 
Nothing is dark where her footstep has 
been. 
Mother has gone, — but we sit in no gloom ; 
Death has no meaning of terror or doom. 
Lit by her smile as she entered within ! 

Home, be cheerful and beautiful still! — 

Home that shall be for " a little while.'' 

Mother in Heaven, our home yet shall fill, 



174 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

Teaching our spirits of God's dear will, — 
God whom she met with so calm a smile. 

THREE — SAFE. 

THEODORE, EDITH, KATIE. 

Three little journeys, ended all in the dewy 

morn; 
Three little lives untouched by sorrow, or 

pain, or scorn; 
Three little faces, turned where never a 

shade can fall ; 
Three little children, hand in hand, gone at 

the Father's call. 

Three little voices, speaking to us on earth 

no more; 
Three little playmates, smiling, safe on the 

sunlit shore; 
Three little pair of hands, unclasped from 

a mother's hold ; 
Three little ones, that a Saviour's loving 

arms enfold. 

Three little hearts that never shall question, 
or ache, or need; 



HOUSEHOLD POEMS 175 

Three little lambs, that Jesus himself shall 

gently lead; 
Three little empty places, that thrill us with 

bitter pain; 
Three little white souls gathered home, to 

make our loss their gain. 

Three little pair of feet, that run to us never- 
more ; 

Three little rays of sunshine, lighting our 
way before; 

Three little treasures gone, though we kept 
them with tender care; 

Three little fadeless jewels, shining in 
heaven's clear air. 

Oh, empty hands, and hearts that ache with 

a bitter loss. 
Think of the little foreheads crowned, 

through your new-weighted cross! 
Oh, ye that sit in silent homes, with heaven 

so near to view. 
Think of the little children, that are waiting 

there for you! 



FOR THE CHILDREN 



177 



FOR THE CHILDREN. 

UNDER THE LEAVES. 

Violet! Violet! 
I wonder how you knew! 

All the earth is cold and wet; 

Not a tree has budded yet; 
Tell me, will you ? — tell me true ! 
Did God whisper '' Spring " to you ? 

Violet! Violet! 

/ never should have known. 

" No," I said,— " no flowers yet ! '' 
Then, beneath the brown leaves wet, 

Hiding near a mossy stone. 

There I found you all alone! 

Violet! Violet! 
Do you not feel afraid? 

Do you never frown or fret 
At the spring-time cold and wet? 
Do you like this quiet shade. 
Where the dead brown leaves are kid ? 
179 



i8o POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

Violet! Violet! 
I wish that I could be 

Just as free from fear and fret, 
Patient through the cold and wet; 
For the dear Lord sends, I see, 
Spring-time sure to you and me. 

Violet! Violet! 
Lift up your little head. 

Why, your pretty face is wet ! 

Not with tears, — you're smiling yet. 
Do you know what I have said? 
By your trust I will be led ! 

APRIL. 
Oh, pretty sun of April ! 

Playing hide-and-seek 
In and out, among the clouds, 

With your face so meek! 

Oh, funny skies of April ! 

First, you smile so bright ; 
Then you cry, and cry, — so hard, 

'Tis a sorry sight! 



FOR THE CHILDREN i8i 

Oh, lovely flowers of April ! 

Peeping everywhere. 
Daffodils — Anemones, 

And violets so fair! 

Oh merry birds of April ! 

Building while you sing. 
Robin Red Breasts, Blue Birds, Wrens — • 

Are you glad 'tis spring ? 

Oh Easter-time of April! 

Time of joy and spring! 
Teaching us how Christ arose 

Life from death to bring! 

Welcome! welcome, April! 

Welcome sun and shower ! 
Thank the God who sends to us 

Blessings every hour ! 

OUT IN THE COLD. 
Why, Pansy! little Pansy! what a merry 

face you shov/. 
Out among the withered leaves, where the 

cold winds blow ! 



1 82 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

What you can be smiling at puzzles one to 
tell. 

Do you like to live and bloom all alone so 
well? 

You that have no almanac ! Do you not re- 
member, 

Pansy, little Pansy bright, that it is Decem- 
ber? 

Why, Pansy! little Pansy! see, the sky is 

dark and gray ! 
And I think — I'm almost sure — it will 

snow to-day. 
Are you not afraid at all, staying here so 

long? 
Ev'ry summer bird has gone, with its merry 

song. 
Pansy, hark! how still it is! Do you not 

remember 
All the pleasant days are gone, and it is 

December ? 

Why, Pansy! little Pansy! what a teacher 
you can be, 



FOR THE CHILDREN 183 

Blooming there so cheerfully, for all eyes 
to see; 

Showing such a happy face, on the darkest 
day; 

Never frowning just because sunshine will 
not stay! 

Pansy, little Pansy bright, help us to re- 
member 

;We should keep our hearts a-bloom even in 
December ! 

''DON'T GO WAYr 

'^ Don^t go Vay ! '' the pleading accents 

Fell like music on the air, 
And the rosy lips beseeching, 
And the little hand outreaching, 

Kept the boyish wanderer there. 

" Don't go Vay! Stay by me, Willie! '' 

And the little hurrying feet 
Trembled with the eager pleasure, 
Striving steps like his to measure, 

So his helping hand to meet. 



i84 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

" Don't go 'way ! *' she needs you, brother, 

Gently guide her steps to-day; 
By-and-bye when you are weary, 
And life's pathway seemeth dreary. 

You will need her — " don't go 'way ! " 

" Don't go 'way ! " O, brothers ! brothers ! 

Many a tender voice to-day 
Calls to you, in accents pleading, 
'Mid the great world-sounds you're heeding, 

Gently, sadly, *^ don't go 'way ! " 

" Don't go 'way " from that home fireside, 

Where a sister smiles for you. 
To the haunts where ruin lingers. 
Beauty — robed by sin's false fingers; 

Stay where joy is pure and true! 

" Don't go 'way " from that old pathway 

You and she together trod. 
Hand in hand in childhood's hours, 
Reading on all trees and flowers, 

Trustingly the name of God. 



FOR THE CHILDREN 185 

^^ Don't go 'way " from those sweet lessons 

Learned with her in early days! 
Keep the precious truth unclouded, 
'Mid the dust of earth-ways crowded, 
And the glare of earthly rays. 

" Don't go 'way ! "— turn back, O, brother ! 

Hear the gentle accents pray. 
With the childish love unaltered, 
And the hope that ne'er has faltered. 

Sweetly, sadly, — '^ don't go 'way ! " 

OLD YEAR AND NEW YEAR. 
Good-bye, Old Year! I'm sorry 

To have you leave me so ! 
I have not been quite good to you ; 

Not good at all, I know ! 

The Dear Lord gave you to me. 
All bright and clean and pure ; 

I did not mean to blacken you, 
And spoil you so, I'm sure ! 

I wish that I could take you 
Right back again, and try 



i86 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

To keep you white and good, as when 
God sent you, from on high ! 

But ah, old year, I cannot ! 

YouVe gone away from me! 
Not any day or hour of yours, 

Forever shall I see! 

Oh, New Year, white and precious, 

I am almost afraid 
To look at you, because of all 

The old mistakes Fve made! 

Dear Father, Who hast sent me 
This New Year clean and white, 

Help me to spend each hour of it 
As in Thy Holy Sight! 



ONE LITTLE LIFE. 

Bright little Dandelion ! 

Downy yellow-face I 
Peeping up among the grass 

With such a gentle grace. 



FOR THE CHILDREN 187 

Minding not the April winds 

Blowing rude and cold, 
Brave little Dandelion, 

With a heart of gold ! 

Meek little Dandelion ! 

Changing into " curls,'' 
At the magic touch of these 

Merry boys and girls. 
When they pinch your dainty throat, 

Strip your dress of green, 
On your soft and gentle face 

Not a cloud is seen! 

Poor little Dandelion ! 

All gone to seed ! 
Scattered roughly by the wind, 

Like a common weed ! 
You have lived your little life, 

Sniiling every day; 
Who could do a better thing, 

In a better way ? 



i88 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

HE KNEW. 

I saw a little Robin 

Hop about — hop about ! 
The earth was dark and dreary, 

And the sun was not out! 

I said — " oh little Robin, 

It is cold ! and 'tis drear ! '* 
But he chirped me his answer, 

*' Cheer-up ! cheer ! — Cheer-up ! cheer ! 

Spring is here ! Spring is here ! '^ 

I thought that little Robin 

With his "Cheer! cheer-up! cheer!'* 
Had taught my heart a lesson 

That would last all the year. 

I said " oh little Robin 

Sing away ! sing away ! 

While I hear, I'll remember, 
To cheer-up, as you say, 
For God reigns every day I " 



FOR THE CHILDREN 189 



UP HERE, OR DOWN THERE? 

Two little sparrows were talking, one day. 
I listened ; and so I heard them say : 
" Isn't it nice to be up here, 

'Way up here? 
The sky is blue, and the air is clear, 
And there's nothing to fear, 
Up here!'' 

" Yes, but the crumbs are plenty, down 
there; 
'Way down there! 
The boys and girls have enough and to 
spare ; 
And we can both share, 

Down there ! " 

" See, the water is fresh and clear, 

'Way up here! 
No naughty little boy is near. 

With us to interfere, 
Up here!" 



I90 POEMS OF LIFE AND LIGHT 

" There's plenty of grass to spare 

'Way down there ! 
And a baby's crumbled apple to share, 

Dropped without care, 

Down there ! " 

" Let's stay and live up here ! 

'Way up here! " 
*' Let's fly through the air, down there, 

Way down there!" 
" Up here ! "— ^^ Down there ! " 
Down there ! "— " Up here ! " 
Oh, don't you think it was very queer, 
That they couldn't settle it? — Yet, my dear, 
I think we are very much like those birds! 
We chatter, and chatter, with words, just 

words ! 
And we never quite know whether here or 

there 
Is the very best place for us to share ! 

THE CLOVER GAME. 
Red and White! White and Red! 
Everywhere a nodding head ! 



a 



FOR THE CHILDREN 191 

In the sun, or in the shade, 
What a merry game is played ! 

Red and White! White and Red! 
Not the softest word is said : 
Everywhere, on field and hill. 
Goes the nidding-nodding still! 

Red and White! White and Red! 
Tell me, — when I go to bed, 
Do you play this funny game, — 
Nodding, nodding, still the same? 

Red and White! White and Red! 
Don't you wish that you could tread 
Everywhere, with nimble feet, 
Like the children in the street? 

Red and White! White and Red! 
Ah ! / know ! — Each nodding head 
Answers — "Children, in our place 
Let us stay with cheerful grace ! '' 



DEC 2i 1906 






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